How to care for your Phalaenospis orchids
Well-hydrated roots turn green again.
The Phalaenopsis in bloom
It's very often at this stage that you acquire a Phalaenopsis orchid, whether it was given to you as a gift or you bought it for yourself. The orchid is in bloom and, most importantly, it has numerous buds promising a long flowering period! To ensure your Phalaenopsis keeps its beautiful flowers and that the flower buds open in turn:
- The ambient temperature should not drop below 16°C (61°F);
- Avoid any drafts;
- Provide it with sufficient light (without direct sunlight in summer; place a curtain on a south-facing window).
- Water it regularly and fertilize it.
Watering the Phalaenopsis
Regardless of the season, Phalaenopsis orchids require moderate and regular watering. To know when to water them, simply observe the color of their roots. This is why all Phalaenopsis orchids are sold in transparent plastic pots. When the roots are whitish, they need water. The best way to rehydrate the roots is to immerse the pot in a bucket of room-temperature rainwater or non-calcareous water. Avoid wetting the center of the leaves (this can cause rot). After 10-15 minutes, remove the pot and allow it to drain thoroughly. The roots will have regained their beautiful green color! Ensure that there is no standing water in the outer pot. Watering should be done on average once a week, more or less frequently depending on the room temperature, air dryness, etc.
Phalaenopsis Fertilization
Phalaenopsis orchids require few nutrients. Feed them with a special orchid fertilizer or a very diluted liquid fertilizer for houseplants. Depending on the orchid's needs, use a growth fertilizer (when the orchid is developing a new leaf) or a flowering fertilizer when the orchid is preparing a flower spike or is in full bloom.
Getting the Phalaenopsis orchid to bloom again
As soon as the flowers fade: Cut the flower stem of the Phalaenopsis orchid halfway up, just above a well-developed bud; 8 times out of 10, a secondary flower stem will develop from this bud. Buds are visible swellings on the Phalaenopsis stems, spaced 10 to 15 cm apart. Once this second flowering is over, cut the stem at the bottom. After a few weeks or months, a new flower stem will likely appear at the base of the leaves.
After a 3- to 4-month rest period without flowers: If your Phalaenopsis orchid is in good condition (green, firm leaves, good root system), keep it in a cool place at 15°C (59°F) for 2 to 3 weeks, limiting watering. This is a near-magical method to encourage your Phalaenopsis orchid to produce a new flower stem.
When to repot a Phalaenopsis orchid
Repot every two to three years, outside of the flowering period, avoiding the months of November to February. It's time to repot when the majority of the orchid's roots have grown out of the pot.