The Phalaenopsis orchids or Moth orchids are one of the easiest orchids to grow. They are ideal for the beginner due to their forgiving nature and ease of care. These orchids are native to southeast Asia and here in the Philippines it’s quite common to see them adorning the homes. They may be growing on the trunk of a tree, in pots or hanging baskets. The blooms are long lasting and survive for 80 to 120 days typically. In the wild they are typically found below the canopies of trees out of the direst sun light. They prefer a moist and humid location with some air movement to thrive.

Moth orchids are low-light orchids and will thrive in an east window, or a shaded southerly or westerly exposure. A sheer curtain can help filter the sun’s rays and the orchid will benefit from this. They do not like direct sunlight and will scorch easily if it’s to bright. They also will do well under common grow lights if they are positioned about a foot off the plant. If they are to be grown in a green house consider using a shade to filter the suns rays during the hottest part of the day.

The ideal temperatures for the Phalaenopsis orchids  range between 60 and 85 F. For ideal growing conditions try to maintain 65 at night and between 78  and 84 during the day. The can handle warmer temperatures but do not let it exceed 95F. The higher temperatures will result in faster leaf and root growth, but lower light and good air movement with an increase in the humidity must accompany the increase in temperature. Avoid frequent and rapid changes in temperature because this can cause the flower buds to fall off.

Water is especially important for this orchid. The medium should never be allowed to dry out completely. If this happens, the orchid will be set back. Water on average about every 7-10 days depending on local conditions, less in the winter months. If the roots are exposed like they would be if the orchid is attached to a tree or piece of wood water them when their roots appear a powdery white. Signs of over watering or bud drop and yellowing leaves.

Idea ly the humidity should be in between 50 - 80% of relative humidity. If its below 40% in the home you should sit the orchid pot in a tray of pebbles that contains water. This will raise the humidity around the plant. For plants kept in a greenhouse it is important to have good air movement to prevent any fungal or bacterial diseases from  setting in.

Use a water soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Grow or peters 20-20-20 and an orchid bloom fertilizer on a regular basis. Mix at one quarter the recommended strength per gallon of water and then apply as a mist to avoid burning the plants. If you wish you can give it a boost just before blooming season with a high phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more blooms.

Late spring or early summer after blooming has completed is the best time for repotting this orchid. Remove the plant from its container and gently remove the old media. Next trim away any old dead roots. Place some of the new media in the pot and position the plant in its new container. Now pour in the new potting media, letting it settle around the roots. Do not pack the soil down tight. Orchids need a loose medium so that air can easily pass through it. Use only a good orchid media that contains bark, stone, sphagnum moss, perlite or similar materials that will provide the aeration your Phalaenopsis will need. In the Philippines these orchids are grown in pots containing chunks of charcoal or coconut shell. Another common and very successful media are tree branches from softwood trees. The orchid is tied lightly to the branch and the roots take hold in a relatively short time.

Monitor your Phalaenopsis Orchids for aphids, mealybugs, mites, scale, and slugs. These can usually be removed with a soft cloth and soapy water. Neem oil is a safe and effective organic insecticide that can be used to control the common insects that will attack your orchids. It has te added benefit of acting as a fungicide and can be used to treat powdery mildew, black spot, rust and anthracnose. Another option for controlling disease is to use a solution of 20% nonfat dry milk with water on your orchids. Allow the solution to sit on the plant for two to three minutes.
 

The flower spike of the Phalaenopsis Orchids can continue to bloom for up to 3 months with proper care. A single flower on the spike can last several weeks. Phalaenopsis typically blooms in the late winter or early spring following a series of cooler nights where the temperature drops near 55F. You may be able to prolong the blooming period by cutting the node below the spent flower spike and encouraging another. To do this count out three healthy nodes below the flower spike and cut one inch above the third. Ignore any nodes that are dried up and spent. With a little luck your orchid will respond with another flower spike.

Phalaenopsis is a  very rewarding plant to grow. They are not very demanding and, under the right conditions, the grower will be rewarded with months of showy blooms. It is vitally important to remember that water never be allowed to accumulate in the growing tip of the plant. This can cause the new leaves to rot, and your plant will die. Therefore, they should only be watered in the morning. As with all orchids, the higher the humidity and temperature, the greater the need for good air flow to prevent fungus, rot and diseases. To be successful you need to find the right balance between humidity, temperature, light and air flow.