Orchid Care Information

Location
By nature, Phalaenopsis grow in quite sheltered spots. It makes sense therefore to place the orchid in a bright spot in the room but to avoid full sunlight. A place towards the (north) west or (south) east is best. A south-facing window is less suitable. If you have any doubts about the location, net curtains may ensure that the plant is protected against sunlight. The plant must be kept away from direct sunlight during the months of April to September.

It is also advisable to avoid placing the plant in a location where it could be affected by draughts or central heating, which may result in withering buds.

Temperature
The ideal temperature lies between 20°C and 22°C, while a minimum temperature of 16°C is desirable for the night. After the plant has finished flowering, it should be moved to a slightly cooler location, which will encourage the development of new flower spikes. After about 2 months, the plant may be replaced in its usual location.

Watering
In their tropical climate, orchids are accustomed to absorbing lots of water in a short time and subsequently nothing for a long time. The best thing to do therefore is immerse the pot in a bucket of water. Leave the pot to soak (for approximately 1 minute) and then drain it thoroughly until all excess water has dripped out. The plant will then not need watering for 7 to 10 days.

Orchids prefer rainwater since tap water contains a surplus of calcium and salts. An alternative is to boil the tap water first. Take care that the water is not too hot or too cold, room temperature is best.
In order to keep the humidity at the right level it is advisable to sprinkle the plant at regular intervals. Especially during periods when the central heating is frequently used, the air may be extremely dry and the orchid will be very pleased with its shower.

Fertilization
Special orchid fertilizer is available in every garden center. Please only use that fertilizer. Fertilize the plant twice monthly from March to October. Once monthly will suffice during the other months. Make sure that you only use the dosage recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer.

After flowering
Once a spike has finished flowering, you can make the Phalaenopsis flower once again. To do so, cut the spike just above the second bract. A Phalaenopsis spike shows various “bulges” which are called “bracts”. Start counting from the bottom. You may cut the spike twice just above the second “bract”. After that it is advised to cut the spike at the lowest possible spot.

Repotting
Once Phalaenopsis has finished flowering, the plant does not necessarily to be repotted. This is only required if the pot is entirely filled with roots or if the potting compost has decayed completely.
Take care! Use only special orchid potting compost for repotting. It is available at almost every garden center. Never repot orchids during flowering.

Other recommendations
Phalaenopsis sometimes tends to have aerial roots growing outside the pot. This is a sign that the plant feels comfortable, so just leave the roots where they are. You need not put them back into the pot either, as this may damage the plant.

Potting tips
If you wish to place the Phalaenopsis in an other pot, you’d best put its inner pot and all in a decorative pot. This will allow you to easily remove the plant from the decorative pot for watering and you can still immerse the inner pot in a bucket of water, which is by far the best way to water the plant.