Moth Orchid Post-Bloom Care: Repotting and Watering

Phalaenopsis After Flowering: Repotting Guide

Amy got moth orchid Mother's Day from Home Depot/Lowe's. Planted in bark, bloomed 8 weeks. Dropped flowers, cut spike to 6 inches. Pot on rocks, fill saucer weekly with water. Few leaves have thinner, browner ends. Asks: fertilize? Repot? Water differently? Encourage more flowering?

Expert Response

Amy, congratulations. First, repot in orchid potting mix (specialized, fir bark + other ingredients). Lowe's/Home Depot carry hobby bags. May need to add perlite (mixes skimpy). Remove perlite dust/finest particles. Use 3 parts orchid mix to 1 part perlite. Soak mix overnight. Use plastic pot with drainage. Remove plant, rinse roots, remove mushy/stringy (dead). Healthy roots firm, green when wet. Rotate pot while lowering roots (reduces damage). Add wet mix, tap pot. Do where excess drains. Drain day before moving to growing area. Repeat after each flowering. Perlite keeps mix open as bark decomposes. Don't water week, then weekly. Each time, drain pot fully before returning. If on pebble tray, ensure water doesn't reach pot bottom—wicks up, keeps mix too wet. Annual flowering cycle—expect bloom next year same time. Cutting old spike above node may produce branch. Many Phalaenopsis day-length sensitive—east window fine. Under artificial light, timer for 2 hours longer than day length. If feeding, use 1/4 recommended concentration.