Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis orchids are often more popularly known as phals (as an abbreviated form) or moth orchids for their resemblance to moths in flight. There are over 60 species in this genus of orchids and they come in varied brightly colored varieties, which can range from dark shades to very light ones, spotted, mottles, striped and often even a combination of all these. These are found all over the world and grow in varied environmental conditions. These orchids are a popular choice for houseplants as well as in gardens for the instant cheer that they can bring with their bright colors. But to make sure that the plants thrive well and turn your garden into a piece of art, you'll need to know how to care for these orchids. And that is what we will be going over in the article that follows. Continue reading for more details.

Caring for the Orchid

A bloom of these flowers is known to be very rewarding in a gardening scenario, because a single plant can produce up to 10 flowers at a single time, which last for a long time and bloom 2 - 3 times in a year. Here are some orchid growing tips that need to be used when caring for a phalaenopsis orchid and the ways in which this flowering plant can be grown effectively.

Light Conditions and Temperature
These orchids are very delicate and require low sunlight for optimum growth. If grown outside they can be exposed to the morning sun until 10 am for ideal light conditions. After this time they need to be moved into the shade. Similarly, if grown as indoor plants, they can be placed in a window in the morning and then moved to a shadier area of the house. A healthy plant will have dark green leaves; if these leaves have a shade of yellow, it means that the plant is being exposed to too much sunlight. The best way of testing whether the sunlight or the artificial light is enough is to place your hand in the light and check for the shadow. The correct distance should produce a blurry shadow and not a well-defined one. This will allow for the leaves to turn dark green and the undersides to have a tinge of red, which is an indication of a healthy life. The day temperatures should be maintained at 70 - 80 degrees F and the night temperatures at 62 - 65. When the phalaenopsis orchids are in bloom, they should be kept at a temperature above 60 degrees F.

Watering Conditions
The orchids can store water only in their stems and leaves and therefore frequent watering becomes important. Depending on the medium in which the plant has been planted, the frequency of watering can be decided. The only point that needs to be cared for is the fact that the roots should not be allowed to dry out and neither should there be a factoring in of stagnant water due to the risk that it might lead to rotting the roots. In the summer, frequent watering might become necessary, but only after checking to see if the soil feels dry. Never water a plant to the point of it getting soggy. In the winters, if the plant is kept in a room with a heater, then the plant can dry out if not watered frequently. Or else, there should be less watering done in the winters. Make absolutely sure that you do not water the flowers 'coz that reduces their life.

Fertilizing
Using soil that has been combined with peat moss is a great way of keeping the soil moist and therefore not allowing the plant to dry out. Along with that, these orchids need a lot of fertilizer to grow well. A low urea based fertilizer should be added in the summer every week and then reduced to about once a month in the colder season or the flowering season.

Pruning and Regrowing
The pruning of these plants is just as important as all other factors in the care of these orchids. Pruning ensures healthy regrowth and a longer life. You can start pruning in the late fall when the stalk starts to turn yellow and wilted. Use a pair of sharp shears and after they have been sanitized, cut till about an inch from the yellowed area on the stalk and tape it up. Sanitize the shears before reaching to any other plant 'coz there are chances that the infection might spread. Removing wilted flowers can also lead to the growth of newer flowers.

As far as repotting orchids is concerned, it is recommended that you re-pot the plants once a year so that they remain healthy. Remove the plants and clear out dead roots, then place them in a pot and fill with bark or peat moss and allow for normal growth.

And there you have it, all about the care and maintenance of Phalaenopsis orchids and how to ensure that the plants grow to full bloom and give your homes and gardens the class they deserve.