Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the best orchids to grow in the home. The name'phalaenopsis' comes from the Greek phalaina, meaning'moth' and opsis, meaning'like'. For that reason this orchid goes by the nick name 'Moth Orchid'. These orchids are easy to grow and flower so long as care is given to recreate their natural growing environment as much as practical. Though you'll be able to find orchids for sale at many home centers for less than $15, they're sometimes not in extraordinarily good shape. They could have been compelled to flower prematurely which weakens the plant. It is also improbable that they have been given correct care during their time in the shop which can end up in root rot and other conditions. Your best shot is to discover a credible grower in your neighborhood. This is a excellent chance to buy plants and find local dealers.
Orchid bark is normally advocated as home growers may unintentionally over water, are less certain to decay the root system thanks to the better drainage of the bark mix. If you opt to go with the sphag you must be careful to avoid over-watering. When the potting mix is nearly dry it is time to water your plant. You can typically need to water your plant about a couple of times a week. The watering schedule will change with the temperature. The hotter the temperature, the more frequently you will need to water. Employ a balanced manure, watered down to 0.25 the maker advised strength, once per week for 3 weeks skipping the 4th week of each 4 week cycle. Skipping the 4th week lets you flush any residual manure from the plant during standard watering. Always water your plant before fertilizing.
Humidity trays can be discovered at your local garden center or you can make one at home by filling a shallow container with pebbles and water and placing your potted orchid on top of it. What is the best temperature for my Phaleanopsis Orchid? The temperature should range from seventy to 80 degrees F in the day and go down to between fifty five to sixty five degrees at night. In order to guarantee healthy blooms, orchids need a temperature fluctuation of ten - fifteen degrees F between night and day.
An alternative is shaded light from a southward-facing window. For correct blooming Phalaenopsis orchids need 1000 - 1500 foot candles of light. Direct daylight can burn the leaves and plants grown in dim light will develop floppy dark green leaves and will not often flower. After the first blooming you need to cut the spike about halfway back, just above one of the nodes.
You must see new blooms inside 8-12 weeks. Cut the spike off wholly by mid-summer to permit your plant to get back its strength for next year's blooms. Seal the cut with liquified candle wax or a sprinkling of cinnamon powder ( a natural anti-fungal agent ) to stop bacterial infection. Re-potting an orchid is like spring cleaning. To keep your plants healthy you need to re-pot your orchid each 1- half to 2 years. Following these straightforward tips will give you ecstatic, healthy Phalaenopsis orchids for a few years to come.
