There are six things you must monitor to maintain proper phalaenopsis orchid care, they are the right temperature, just enough light and water, the right kind of fertilizer and the right amount, occasionally re-potting, and keeping pests away.
Each are briefly written about below.
Temperature Phalaenopsis orchids are warm growing and require temperatures not lower than 64 degrees Fahrenheit and not higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Optimally you want to keep the temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is why these orchids are popular house plants.
Approximately 15 degrees in temperature change is needed in order to encourage flowering.
Phalaenopsis orchids have been known to flower two or three times a year.
Light Phalaenopsis orchids require very little direct light.
In fact too much direct light can burn them severely.
However, they need a lot of displaced light.
Indoors putting them close to a window where they get a little direct morning sun but there after only displaced light works well.
You can also use artificial light if needed.
If using artificial light the duration of the lighting needs to be the normal length of daytime and the intensity should be between 1000 and 1500 foot candles.
Water Never let a phalaenopsis orchid dry completely out.
They like to be moist but not soaked.
When you water, do it in the morning so that they warm up in the sun and drain all excess water during the day.
The worst thing for your orchid is for it to be wet and cold during the evening.
Water your orchid as often as needed.
Water when the media in the middle of the pot is almost dry but still has moisture.
When you water completely soak the media for several minutes.
Fertilizer Fertilize phalaenopsis orchids weak weekly during the growing and flowering season.
Use at one quarter strength.
Use a fertilizer of equal proportions such as 10-10-10.
As the orchid moves into slower growth, fertilize every other week.
Always fertilize right after watering.
If you do not need to water weekly do not fertilize weekly.
Some growers use a 10-20-10 fertilizer during flowering season, the increase in phosphorus levels spur new buds.
Potting There are only two reasons to re-pot any orchid including a phalaenopsis orchid.
One is if the plant out grows the container and the second is if the growing media begins to decompose and will no longer allow enough air to get to the roots.
Pests Aphids, mealy bugs, mites, scale, and slugs commonly affect phalaenopsis orchids.
This is not so much a problem if you are growing your orchid indoors.
However, if you do have a problem with any of these pests, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth and wash them away.
I suggest not using a commercial product unless you have no other choice.
If you do though, follow the instructions carefully on the label.
Each are briefly written about below.
Temperature Phalaenopsis orchids are warm growing and require temperatures not lower than 64 degrees Fahrenheit and not higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Optimally you want to keep the temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is why these orchids are popular house plants.
Approximately 15 degrees in temperature change is needed in order to encourage flowering.
Phalaenopsis orchids have been known to flower two or three times a year.
Light Phalaenopsis orchids require very little direct light.
In fact too much direct light can burn them severely.
However, they need a lot of displaced light.
Indoors putting them close to a window where they get a little direct morning sun but there after only displaced light works well.
You can also use artificial light if needed.
If using artificial light the duration of the lighting needs to be the normal length of daytime and the intensity should be between 1000 and 1500 foot candles.
Water Never let a phalaenopsis orchid dry completely out.
They like to be moist but not soaked.
When you water, do it in the morning so that they warm up in the sun and drain all excess water during the day.
The worst thing for your orchid is for it to be wet and cold during the evening.
Water your orchid as often as needed.
Water when the media in the middle of the pot is almost dry but still has moisture.
When you water completely soak the media for several minutes.
Fertilizer Fertilize phalaenopsis orchids weak weekly during the growing and flowering season.
Use at one quarter strength.
Use a fertilizer of equal proportions such as 10-10-10.
As the orchid moves into slower growth, fertilize every other week.
Always fertilize right after watering.
If you do not need to water weekly do not fertilize weekly.
Some growers use a 10-20-10 fertilizer during flowering season, the increase in phosphorus levels spur new buds.
Potting There are only two reasons to re-pot any orchid including a phalaenopsis orchid.
One is if the plant out grows the container and the second is if the growing media begins to decompose and will no longer allow enough air to get to the roots.
Pests Aphids, mealy bugs, mites, scale, and slugs commonly affect phalaenopsis orchids.
This is not so much a problem if you are growing your orchid indoors.
However, if you do have a problem with any of these pests, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth and wash them away.
I suggest not using a commercial product unless you have no other choice.
If you do though, follow the instructions carefully on the label.