Phalaenopsis Orchids-The Basics

[Dave]

Phalaenopsis Orchids

The Basics
Phalaenopsis is a genus of approximately 60 species of orchid (family Orchidaceae).
The generic name originates from the Greek phalaina, "moth" and opsis, "like", descriptive of the inflorescences of some species, which resemble moths in flight. For this reason, the species are sometimes called Moth orchids.

They are native throughout southeast Asia from the Himalayan mountains to the islands of Polillo and Palawan of the Philippines and northern Australia. Orchid Island off Taiwan is named after this orchid.
Most are epiphytic shade plants; a few are lithophytes. In the wild they are typically found below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight.


Phalaenopsis are among the easiest and most rewarding orchids to grow. An American Orchid Society demographic survey showed that Phalaenopsis have become America~s favorite orchid. The plants adapt well to the environment of the home or office. From the time that the first flower bud opens, the sprays will remain in bloom for the next 2 to 3 months.



LIGHTING
Sufficient lighting is a must for successful cultivation. Phalaenopsis prefer either an east or a lightly shaded south facing window. If the plant receives too much sunlight the foliage on your Phalaenopsis may burn and turn yellow or black.



TEMPERATURE
Phalaenopsis thrive under normal household temperatures. For the best results, provide nighttime temperatures between 60 to 65°F and daytime temperatures between 75 to 85°F.



WATERING
Depending upon the temperature, Phalaenopsis potted in bark should be watered about once or twice a week. During the summer, the plants may need to be watered every 4-5 days. The rule of thumb for watering should be as followed : More heat more water, less heat less water.

Phalaenopsis potted in New Zealand sphagnum moss should be watered less often, about every 7 to 10 days.

Phalaenopsis prefer to be kept on the moist side. This does not mean that they like to be left in standing water,however try to water the plants early in the day so that the foliage will be dry by nightfall. To prevent bacterial and fungal disease use Physan 20 once a month.

HUMIDITY
Phalaenopsis prefer 50% humidity. Often a kitchen or bathroom will provide sufficient humidity. Humidity Trays may be needed for other locations in the house.

FERTILIZER
Phalaenopsis must be fertilized on a regular basis. 1/4 diluted solution of fertilizer should be applied at each watering.



POTTING
Phalaenopsis may be grown in either New Zealand Sphagnum Moss or Medium Orchid Bark Mix. Phalaenopsis should be re-potted once every two years. it is best to repot Phalaenopsis orchids after they have flowered.


PESTS
Common pests associated with Phalaenopsis are scales, mealy bugs and spider mites.



FLOWERING
Phalaenopsis plants may flower again for a second time. After the plant goes out of bloom, cut the stem just under the the first flower on the spray. A new spray of flowers may emerge from the node below.

[gatemedic]

Hey Dave, I am truely a nubie with orchids. I bought orchids at a Meijers store. They are all out of bloom now. What do I do with the flower spike? Also, they are in clear plastic nursery pots, that were in ceramic vases. In some of the orchids, the thick fleshy roots are coming out the top, like spider legs. Ich. Does that mean I need to replant? Any help you can give me is much appreciated, as most things I've found on line assume a lot of knowledge I don't have. Thanks.

[Dave]

Hi gatemedic, having roots coming out of the top is completely normal. some people may be tempted to cut them off with scissors- but please don't as this only hurts the plants. These roots on top like to be misted, if you have a spray bottle simply fill it with water and mist every day or every other day. You will also want to water your orchid about once every 7-10 days. To water simply take your orchid to the sink and turn on the water making sure to water it really good about 30 seconds to one minute. After the water drains from the pot return your orchid to its spot.

If you just purchased your orchid plant you do not need to replant it. Replanting needs to be done every 1-2 years (generally speaking) as the bark or potting medium breaks down over time.

As for sunlight, phals need indirect sunlight. Generally all orchids need to stay away from direct sunlight, if it does receive some direct sun make sure it is really early morning or late late afternoon. If the leaves turn a pale yellow or deep red you know the spot is too sunny.
Any other questions or if there is something you are unsure of please feel free to ask.

So To Recap

1. Water once every 7-10 days.
2. Indirect sunlight is best.
3. Mist the roots when you have time.
4. Watch and enjoy your flowers when it blooms again!

[Susanbhl]

Hello David, This is a nice site. I have two orchids and recently started having problems, which motivated me to start looking for information as to their care. Your above answer is just what I was looking for! I brought my plants from Florida in June, so we are all adjusting
thanks again... Sue

[Dave]

Hey Susanbhl,
Glad to be of help. This is why I decided to build an orchid forum...so people looking for help could find information and ask questions.

If it weren't for the hurricanes I'd love to move to Florida, Vanda orchids would be hanging from every tree in my yard!

[Denise]

Hello David.......I did not clip the stem where the flower was.....now I have pods that I thought were flowers but they were not flowers ...they are leaves what do I do with them? Are they NEW plants? Help Brand new to this ,,,BUT loving it..........

[mobydick]

Hi Dave, just found the forum, looks great. I have a phal question. I have owned for about eighteen months. I was told it should be re-potted next March/April (2006). However two new flower spikes have emerged from the base of the plant. Should I go ahead next year and repot, or leave the plant to flower.

Regards

[jerrymeola]

Denise
what you have is called a keiki which is hawaiian for baby plant. Let it grow until the roots are about 2-3 inches and then you can cut it off and repot the new plant.
Mobydick
Why buck your success. Leave the plant until the new flowers are done in about 4 months and repot it then. Phanaenopsis are the one orchid that can be repotted while it is in flower, but you are not in a position where you have to report so wait. The big fleshy roots of a Phal can easily be cracked when repotting. This needs to be avoided as it can induce rot and cause the plant to drop its flowers. Waiting is easier.

[orchidaddict789]

To prevent roots from cracking soak them in water for a couple of hours. Makes them more flexible and bendable, thus reducing root injury. Works for other types too.

[gatemedic]

Thanks so much for the info.

A new question. One of my phals flower stalks turned yellow and dead after the blooms dropped. Do I cut it back to the leaves? All of the others stayed green. And one looks as though it may be budding to flower again. Or maybe it is new baby plants like Denise has. Once again, thanks so much for this forum. It's just what I needed. And I suspect, the same is true for a lot of people. The other sites I saw read as professional botanists, and not a lot of help for newbies. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[janet_a]

if it's shriveled up and yellow or brown, you're safe to cut it off.

your other spike might well be branching--just watch and see what it does.

[GOGO]

Hi,

I have 5 different orchids. One oncidium, dendrium, Chinese cymbidium and two Phalaenopsis. I've read Phalaenopsis are easy to take care of but for me it has been the opposite. One Phalaenopsis is dying with leaves turning yellow without spikes. The other one is just struggling to survive. It has been blooming but the four recent buds didn't mature and just started to turn yellow and becomes wrinkle and then dies. I don't know what I'm doing wrong with this particular specie. The other three are doing fine and just finish blooming, and now are growing new leaves. My living room has direct south light and I placed the Phalaenopsis away from direct sunlight. I water it about 10 days and feed it. I do notice that the humidity is about 20 to 30 in my home. I got a humidity tray but it's not helping. The Phalaenopsis just isn't happy. Such a shame because it has another spike growing and another spike growing from the long spike. How can I make it happy? If this one dies then I won't be buying another Phalaenopsis. Maybe my apartment climate is only good for the other species. Help !!!!

[diazfelipe]

Hi to everyone it is my first time in this forum, i started my orchid trip a 1 year ago, it has been a pleasure i started with 3 orchids now i take care of 35 different plants. they have flowered various times but now im facing my first keiki ( i think its written that way )

i have now new things are happening which have caused many doubts. one of my phalaenopsis plants now has a keiki though the plant seems to be ok i notice is turning some leaves yellow ( 2 out of 7) though it has been with its normal watering and fertilizing schedules, i read that before u can repot the keiki u have to wait for roots to appear on it but now im concernmed that the plant is consumming its energy on the keiki and my plant gets weak; so my big question .

do i have to use a different fertilizing schedule or type while the keiki grows roots????????? when can i pott the keiki ???????

HELP

does the phal have a name? dropping a leaf or two per year is a normal thing, if it goes further there may be a problem. there are times when a stressed plant will throw a keiki as a last gasp effort to survive. a little more info might help.

[fugate]

new to site
i have a phal that it root system are growing out of the pot they are 8 to 12 inches long. what should i do with them? also the plant is about to bloom.

[janet_a]

fugate, if the roots are fat and happy, leave them be. be sure and give them a splash of water when you water the medium, and they'll be just fine. sometimes they just like to put out aerial roots.

[FLaCo]

Man this thread is an oldie!

[kmarch]

We now have a newer updated thread on Phalaenopsis care found at: Orchid Care for Phalenonopis & Paphiopedilum Orchids
Please take a look at it and let us know if you have any questions. This older thread thread has now been closed.