Phalaenopsis orchids are one my favorite orchids. Yes, they're one of the most common that you see, but I still enjoy them. I like them if they're hybrids, species, clones, whatever.

You'll see them in the movies, and commercials if you take a close look.

Here I'll talk about their basic characteristics, care, and some growing tips. I'll try to stay away from too many scientific terms and try to communicate in a way that new and novice growers will easily understand.

The phalaenopsis is a warm growing orchid that seems to enjoy moderate light. What does that mean? Well it can grow in temps anywhere from 50-95 and can survive a few degrees either way but not on an ongoing basis. They like light that is bright, but not direct. Direct exposure to the midday sun will kill a moth orchid in no time. They're not vampires though and can take higher doses of light if they're exposed slowly.

What about watering? Moth orchids don't have a psuedobulb to store water. They only have their roots and leaves to hold their food and water. Knowing when and how much too water is one of the most important skills to know about Phalaenopsis. Overwatering is very easy to do. A moth orchid that goes too long without water equally detrimental. So finding a happy medium is crucial for your new orchids future.

You want to have some continuity to you watering. Don't let it dry up for a week and then flood it for a week. That will just throw the plant out of wack. I grow all my Phalaenopsis is Sphagnum moss and I've found that I water about every five days. It varies though, if the weather is cold and cloudy, I might water every 10 days. If its sunny all week, I might need to water every 3-4 days. Basically when you water, you want to make sure it is evenly wet. Make sure all the moss has been soaked and let the water drain out. Check back in 3-4 days and see how it feels and looks. One way to tell is by how heavy the pot feels, or poke your finger in the moss and if you feel moisture, just wait a day or two. You want to water just before its dry. Don't wait until its bone dry and the moss has shriveled away from the pot.

Phalaenopsis like high humidity, so I mist the leaves and top roots once a day.

Feeding your orchid is important too. You've probably heard "weakly-weekly. Its probably best to use a good orchids fertilizer at half-strength once a week when you water. What I do is once every two weeks I fertilize when I water and then in between week I spray the top leaves and roots with fertilizer. That's how one local grower showed me and it seems to work for me.

Learn more about this author, Andy Roach.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Phalenopsis Orchid?
We want to hear your view. Write now!