The most rewarding aspect of growing phalaenopsis is that they stay in bloom for several months and come in a wide variety of colors and blooming habits.

It is not uncommon to see mature phalaenopsis blooming for most of the year with sprays of flowers.

FLOWERING

If your Phalaenopsis is of substantial size (6-8" pot) it is possible for it to bloom 2 or 3 times a year.

After it has flowered the first time, cut the stem just ahead of the first bloom on the stem, just above the nearest node.

From this node a new flower stem should emerge. Within 90 - 120 days, it should bloom again.

HUMIDITY

Phalaenopsis are of a monopodial growth without any pseudobulbs to help store moisture.

For this reason, it is important to provide good humidity. 50-70% is considered ideal.

However, if the plant is kept well watered, it will adapt to a lower humidity.

Water

DO NOT WATER WITH SOFTENED WATER.

A good rule of thumb is to allow one day in the watering cycle for each inch in pot diameter (measure the pot across the top).

Water in the morning, use one quart of water and water slowly, leaves must by dry by nightfall.

Water must be tepid, and should contain a mild fertilizer solution (see Feeding).

FEEDING

Use water soluble fertilizer with an even analysis or a fertilizer in which the Nitrogen (the first number in the analysis) is the higher of the three numbers.

Be sure that the carrier for the Nitrogen is in the form of Ammonia Nitrate .

FEED WITH EVERY WATERING, YEAR-ROUND.

Thin out the plant food to 1/4 of what the label instructions state for sustained growth.

TEMPERATURE

Phalaenopsis like nighttime 60-65 day 70-85 degrees. LIGHT: 750-1000fc (foot candles): Thiis is fairly low light for a blooming plant. If you can hold your hand one foot above the leaves, and not cast a shadow, this is enough light.

Grow in an East, South or West window.

NEVER GROW OUTDOORS, cold rain will cause yellow spots on the leaves.

AIR: Phalaenopsis need moving air.

DO NOT GROW THEM IN A TERRARIUM!

POTTING

Every two years is best. Anytime is a good time to re-pot, however it is best to do when the plant is out of bloom.

POTTING MIX: A fir bark, pearlite, and coarse peat mixture is best.

INSECT CONTROL

Use Isopropyl Alcohol full strength in an atomizer bottle on visible insects.

MAKE SURE THIS IS DONE AWAY FROM HEAT OR OPEN FLAME.

Or you can use 1/4 TSB Mineral Oil, 1/4 TSB dish soap to one gallon of water, then spray plant thoroughly.

IF YOU FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS YOU WILL BE REWARDED WITH YEARS OF GLORIOUS PRODUCTION FROM YOUR PHALAENOPSIS ORCHID!