Shop For, Buy, Grow, and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchid Plants

Posted by admin on January 2, 2009

Phalaenopsis Orchid plants are the easiest Orchid to grow for the beginner grower. They are not only the easiest Orchids to care for, but they are also ideal for growing indoors. This post has information to help you shop for, buy, grow, and care for Phalaenopsis Orchids.

1. When buying a Phalaenopsis Orchid, choose one without all blooms open. This will give you more blooms to come.
2. When shopping for Phalaenopsis Orchids, choose the Phalaenopsis Orchid with the strongest leaves, and biggest roots and leaves. Look for leaves and roots that look like they are active and growing.
3. Buy your Phalaenopsis Orchid somewhere that will stand behind the plant if it does not do well. Good stores offer a return or exchange policy.
4. Phalaenopsis Orchids are epiphytic. This means they grow on trees and rocks. They get their nutrients and water from items that fall to them. They are very used to having their roots dry out at times because of this.
5. Most Phalaenopsis Orchids can bloom 2-6 months in a row. To have your Orchid bloom this long, you need humidity around the leaves and flowers. The best way to get humidity is purchase a humidity tray and grow your Phalaenopsis Orchid on top of the tray.
6. Phalaenopsis Orchids do not like to sit in water for days. Water the plant over the sink well, let the mix drain, and then don’t water again until the mix is almost dry. You can tell when to water by lifting the pot. If the pot is light, water.
7. Fertilize 2 out of 3 waterings with a very weak solution of Orchid fertilizer.
8. Repot your Phalaenopsis Orchids every 2-3 years when the plant is growing out of the pot.
9. When caring for leaf problems, only cut off a leaf with fungus.
10. Care for your Phalaenopsis in the right location in your home. Choose a location with low indirect light, good air movement, and no temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.