Phalaenopsis Care
LIGHT: Phals like lower light than most other orchids. Diffused light that shows little or no shadow works best. You can acheive this in a South or East facing windows with sheers. If you need to supplement with artificial light, 2 florescent light bulbs hung 6"-8" above the plants have shown to be beneficial.
WATER: Phalaenopsis have very adventurous root systems that need to be kept evenly moist but not soggy, as root rot will result. Adjust your watering schedule to the time of year and the growing location you've chosen. Growing these indoors you should water them 2-3 times a week. We recommend putting the plant in the sink and let the water run through for about a minute. Let the plant drain in the sink before you put it back in its place. If you over-summer your plants outside you will need to increase your watering schedule to maybe every 3rd day. Always water thoroughly and early enough in the day so that your plants have time to dry out before evening.
FERTILIZER: Phalaenopsis are heavy feeders. We recommend fertilizing every watering with a balanced water soluable fertilizer. Supplementing with time released fertilizers can also be used. Supplements such as Superthrive and MagAmp have also shown to be beneficial.
MEDIA: Phalaenopsis have good root systems and an open orchid mix is desirable. We recommend a blend of 3 parts Fir bark to 1 part perlite. The size of the media is dependant on the size of the pot. Small pots = small media, Medium pots = medium media.
REPOTTING: It is good practice to repot every two years. Do not overpot, give them just enough room for two years growth.
DISEASE: Proper watering practices and good air movement are the best preventative measures to minimize disease. We use Physan20 and similar products for fungal control. Small infestations of insects like scale, mealy bugs and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or light horticultural oils like Pure Neem Oil. Larger infestations require pesticides sucha as Avid EC, Othene, or Malathion. Be sure to read and follow all label directions. Spraying should be done after watering and during the cooler part of the day. Slug and snail problems can be controlled with baits containing metaldehyde. Use these with caution around children or pets.
Check with other growers or your local orchid society for specific growing care in your area.
WATER: Phalaenopsis have very adventurous root systems that need to be kept evenly moist but not soggy, as root rot will result. Adjust your watering schedule to the time of year and the growing location you've chosen. Growing these indoors you should water them 2-3 times a week. We recommend putting the plant in the sink and let the water run through for about a minute. Let the plant drain in the sink before you put it back in its place. If you over-summer your plants outside you will need to increase your watering schedule to maybe every 3rd day. Always water thoroughly and early enough in the day so that your plants have time to dry out before evening.
FERTILIZER: Phalaenopsis are heavy feeders. We recommend fertilizing every watering with a balanced water soluable fertilizer. Supplementing with time released fertilizers can also be used. Supplements such as Superthrive and MagAmp have also shown to be beneficial.
MEDIA: Phalaenopsis have good root systems and an open orchid mix is desirable. We recommend a blend of 3 parts Fir bark to 1 part perlite. The size of the media is dependant on the size of the pot. Small pots = small media, Medium pots = medium media.
REPOTTING: It is good practice to repot every two years. Do not overpot, give them just enough room for two years growth.
DISEASE: Proper watering practices and good air movement are the best preventative measures to minimize disease. We use Physan20 and similar products for fungal control. Small infestations of insects like scale, mealy bugs and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or light horticultural oils like Pure Neem Oil. Larger infestations require pesticides sucha as Avid EC, Othene, or Malathion. Be sure to read and follow all label directions. Spraying should be done after watering and during the cooler part of the day. Slug and snail problems can be controlled with baits containing metaldehyde. Use these with caution around children or pets.
Check with other growers or your local orchid society for specific growing care in your area.
Angel Street Orchids PO Box 492, Makawao, HI 96768
