Orchid Care Guide: Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) Success

Alsip Home & Nursery carries beautiful Phalaenopsis orchids year-round. These easiest-to-grow orchids feature broad basal leaves and arching flower spikes that open sequentially from bottom to top in white, pink, purple, and yellow.

Understanding Epiphytic Growth

Phalaenopsis are epiphytes—plants that grow on trees in rainforests, using roots to anchor and absorb moisture and nutrients from air and rain. They don't grow in soil. This explains their unique care needs: they want their roots to breathe and experience a wet-dry cycle.

Triggering Rebloom

If your orchid isn't flowering, try monthly feeding with diluted orchid fertilizer. A 10–15°F day/night temperature differential and increased humidity can also initiate spikes.

Ideal Conditions

Temperature

Day: 75–85°F. Night: ~60°F. A 10–15°F drop is essential.

Light

Strong, dappled light—east, west, or lightly shaded south windows. Leaves should be medium olive green. Dark green = too little light; yellowish/hard = too much. Direct sun burns leaves.

Humidity

40–60%. Use a gravel-water tray (pot above water line) or mist every few days.

Watering

Mimic nature's wet-dry cycle: let the mix become nearly dry, then water thoroughly. Misting leaves alone is insufficient. When in doubt, don't water—lift the pot; if light, it's time. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral spots on leaves.

Repotting

Use orchid bark (Fertilome or Better Grow) for drainage and moisture retention. Repot when bark breaks down, typically every 1–2 years.

Fertilizing

• Warm/humid: twice monthly. High nitrogen (30-10-10) in bark; high phosphorus (10-30-20) to promote blooms.
• Cool/dull: reduce frequency.
• Some growers use ¼-strength fertilizer every watering.
• Never overfeed—orchids are light feeders.

With observation and patience, Phalaenopsis reward you with months of exotic blooms.