Phalaenopsis orchid care

The phalaenopsis orchid is by far the most popular indoor orchid and for good reason, they are beautiful, and the hold up well in indoor environments. Read on below to learn proper care for the phalaenopsis orchid.

Light:  

• Phalaenopsis
  orchids can survive in low light to moderate light situations. However,
  if exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will suffer sunburn and
  become unsightly with black splotches.  

• Phalaenopsis
  do best in an east or (shaded) west facing window, but make sure that
  the plant is at least about 3 feet away from the glass. 

• If
  the foliage on the plant is dark green and limp, it is an indication
  the plant needs more light. Yellowish leaves indicate the plant is
  getting too much light. Ideally, the foliage should be a bright olive
  green.

• Ideally,
  Phalaenopsis prefer night time temperatures between 60-65°F and 70-85°F
  during the day. However, Phalaenopsis are fairly tough in the sense
  that they can take temperatures in the mid 50’s up to 95°F temperature.
  If the temperatures do get little high, one should increase the
  humidity, water and air circulation around the plant to compensate.   

• If possible, try to avoid temperature fluctuations, as this may cause closed buds to drop.

• Phalaenopsis
  orchids do best when only watered when the potting media has almost
  completely dried out. Depending on the environmental conditions that
  could be as much as twice a week in the summer and as little as once a
  week during the winter months.

• Ideally,
  Phalaenopsis should be watered early in the day to prevent moisture
  from setting on the plant overnight, as it could lead to root rot, crown
  rot and other diseases.

• The
  best way to water Phalaenopsis is to remove them from their decorative
  pots and flush them with water for 1 to 2 minutes under a faucet. If
  that is not possible, you can also place 5 or so ice cubes on the bark
  once a week. 

• The
  ideal humidity conditions for Phalaenopsis is between 50% and 80%
  humidity. In warmer and drier conditions, Phalaenopsis can be placed on
  gravel that has water in the bottom to elevate the local humidity.
  However, you should never let the pots sit in water as this will cause
  root rot. 

• On days of high humidity make sure there is good air circulation around the plants. 

• In general, Phalaenopsis do best and are at their healthiest when fertilized on a regular basis. Once a month is ideal. 

• The
  growers recommend that you use a well balanced formulation such as
  30-10-10 or a ratio that is similar. However, it is important that the
  plants are slightly moist before fertilizing to avoid burning.