Phalaenopsis Care for BeginnersPronouced (fail-eh-NOP-sis).For most beginners Phalaenopsis is the most rewarding plant because they thrive in conditions found in most homes. If you can grow African Violets you can grow Phalaenopsis orchids.Flowers can last up to 3 months at a time and in some cases they bloom twice a year. One group of Phal's bloom in late winter or spring with long, arching flower spikes that display large, broad flowers. Another group blooms primarily in the summer with smaller, long lasting star shaped flowers.Blooming Season***** how phals bloom ******During the Blooming Season" display your plant wherever it shows the best. Orchids have stored up all the energy they need to complete their flowering so more sun isn't necessary now. In fact, cool temperatures away from a sunny window prolongs the life of the flowers. If your plant was blooming when you brought it home, don't be alarmed if the flowers don't last 3 months. Those blooms where created at a nursery (sometimes thousands of miles away) and might not last as long as the flowers you will grow in your home. Growing Season After the blooms have faded, cut the flower spike back to the base of the plant. (I know you've read where the plant will continue flowering if you cut the spike half way. Save this until you've gained more experience. The flowers will be anemic and you might be stressing the plant. Learning the grow/bloom seasons is what's important at this point.) Now it's time to move the plant to its grow area. This is also the best time for transplanting. ******* more on this ******** Light: Phalaeanopsis require bright light with a touch of sun. An eastern exposure (or western exposure protected from hot sun) is ideal. Phal's are also good candidates for growing under lights.Water: Phalaenopsis do not have water storing organs (like many other orchids) so their roots prefer even moisture without being too wet. Our Hydroponic System is perfect for this as the clay pebbles "wick up" the moisture from the reservoir at the bottom of the pot evenly and gently.Take care to no get water in the crown (where the new leaf is emerging). Standing water here will rot the new leaf. Temps: Phalaenopsis grow at temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees. They generally prefer warmer and really don't like temperatures lower than 60 and will regress quickly if exposed to temperatures less tha 50 degrees. Humidity should be around 70% during the day with 50% being adequate at night. Our Hydroponic System provides added humidity but it's still a good idea to display plants on trays of stones with a layer of water in the bottom of the tray. |   | |