Under Construction

Plant Care
The Phalaenopsis Plant Care Instruction has been successfully copied to your clipboard. Go to plant list and paste it.
Plant Care
You have successfully used the Phalaenopsis Plant Care Instruction.
Back
Pat Hammer
Plant Care Guide
Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis

Moth Orchid

Click HERE to see the plant details, or save notes for this plant.

  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

Plant Care by Liliana Cool night time temperatures in the fall encourage flower spike to form. Once the flower spike is developed, big changes in temperature can cause unopened bud to drop off. Temperatures in excess of 90 can slow growth.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

<www.aos.org>,<www.taygeta.com/aos_culture.html >,<www.sdorchids.com>,<www.palomarorchid.org>,

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Purchase any time of the year. Generally, Phalaenopsis are treated as an indoor plant and are available any time of the year. Purchase from a preputable Orchid Grower or independent nursery. Look the plant over carefully checking for healthy roots and leaf turgor. Avoid plants that have limp or wrinkled leaves.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

January
Moderate feeders and are best if fertilized with a well balanced liquid fertilizer applied once or twice per week. There are several really good fertilizer formulated for orchid. Follow directions on the package.

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

January
Soak the rooted and potting media throughly in the AM. Do not water again until the bark media begin to dry. Do not allow to dry out completely. Do not allow to sit in water; do not over water. Generally, water once a week in cool weather and twice per week in warmer weather.Phalaenopsis are happy at 50 to 75% humidity. Misting occasionally when the air around the plants is too dry.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

January
Make sure that the plants roots are NOT sitting in water.
Do not get any water on the flowers as this will shorten their longevity.
Don't let your plants dry to the point of wilting - it will really set them back.
Do not fertilize a dry plant.
Avoid direct sunlight as the leaves can easily burn.

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

January
Phalaenopsis Orchids should be monitored for aphids, mealybugs, mites, scale, and slugs. These can usually be removed with a soft cloth and soapy water. If you choose to use a commercial pest control product, be sure to follow all label instructions.

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

January
Should be replanted once every 1 0r 2 years or if the soil looks as though it is decomposing or if they are pot bound. Remove from pot, trim away any dead roots, and generally clean up the plants. Use a media that contains bark, stone, sphagnum moss, perlite or similar material. There are permixed potting mixes designed for orchids.

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?

January
Light: Low 1,000 to 1,800 foot candles