First Orchid Care: Broken Leaf, Repotting, and Basics

Handling a Snapped Leaf

Cut off the broken leaf at the break point using a clean tool (never used on other plants). The cut will heal naturally.

Complete Phalaenopsis Care Guide for Beginners

Repotting (Do This Annually After Blooming)

1. Buy coarse fir bark orchid mix (½" pieces)—not regular potting soil.
2. Soak mix while unpotting plant.
3. Rinse roots; remove mushy (dead) ones.
4. Use plastic pot with many drainage holes (original or slightly larger).
5. Lower roots into pot while rotating to minimize damage.
6. Add wet mix, tapping pot to settle around roots.
7. Fill to just below leaf base; drain overnight before placing in growing area.

Ongoing Care

• Light: Morning sun / bright indirect light.
• Temperature: 60-80°F (16-27°C).
• Water: Weekly with room-temperature water.
• Fertilizer: ¼ tsp/gallon when new leaf growth starts.