How to care for Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids are a flowering potted plant that we have seen grow enormously in popularity over the last few years. We love the way their graceful arching stems and clean crisp colors add an exotic elegance to any room. It’s no surprise that many interior designers feature this beautiful plant in many contemporary room designs.

If you look after your orchids correctly, they will last for years and bloom spectacularly almost all year round. They are not hard to care for once you follow a couple of simple care tips. You will be rewarded for years with long lasting flowers and an elegant art form.

Watering and Feeding Phalaenopsis Orchids

Water orchids when the top cm of Orchiata (bark) has dried out on the top of the pot. This will generally be 4-5 days in summer and up to 10 days in winter. It is crucial that you ensure the orchid dries out sufficiently before re-watering. The biggest mistake people will make with this plant is over watering.

To water orchids correctly, take the Orchid out if its outer pot. Place the nursery pot in the sink and allow the water to run completely through the nursery pot but  trying to avoid watering the leaves. Make sure the water has fully drained. Keep the nursery pot in the sink for 10 minutes before placing back in your pot holder or saucer. Do not sit pots in water as this will encourage root disease and cause Orchiata to break down.

Add a little bit of orchid fertiliser every 2 weeks or according to the instructions on the packet. Remember less is more.

How much sunlight do Phalaenopsis Orchids need?

Place your orchid in areas which are warm but not in direct sunlight (22-25°C day temperature is perfect). If conditions are very warm (height of summer) either move the orchids to a cooler spot or give a regular but light mist with water in a spray bottle.

Getting your Phalaenopsis Orchid to Flower

To induce flowering, plants must have a drop in night time temperatures. Cool nights in winter or moving to a cooler area in the house at night will generally allow this. Expect to see flower spikes in early spring if conditions are met.

Continue to feed plants during flowering as this will allow the flower spikes to grow quickly. Feeding will also encourage long lasting flowering.

Secure flower spikes early to keep them upright. Place a thin bamboo stick into the pot where the flower is coming up from. As the flower spike extends gently encourage the spike upwards and secure to the stick with a twisty tie or clip.

NOTE: Wrap the twisty tie loosely around the stem to allow the stem to expand during growth. After flowering, cut the flower spike off approximately 2-3 cm above the base. This will eventually dry off.

Re-potting Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis roots may creep out of the pot as they are actively photosynthesising and/or looking for water and nutrients. If roots start creeping out over the pot this may indicate the orchid may require a re pot. Once a year, when the orchid is not blooming, ease it gently out of the pot and re pot with some fresh orchid soil mix.

Orchids like to be restricted somewhat so use a pot which is approximately 2-3cm bigger in diameter at each re pot.  After re potting allow plants to sit for a couple of days to recover or heal from any root wounds before watering and feeding again. 

Removing Dust from Phalaenopsis Orchids

Like any stunning houseplant in your home, orchid leaves will get dusty. Gently remove any dust from the leaves by wiping them softly with a damp cloth.

With some love and care we are certain your Phalaenopsis orchids will continue to make a stunning statement in your home for many years.

Interested? 

Moffattt's Flower Company offers Phalaenopsis orchids in a variety of coloúrs and sizes which you can choose here.