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.
Temperature:
- 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.
Water:
- 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.
Humidity:
- 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.
Feeding:
- 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.
Cymbidium orchids
- Cymbidiums need high light, but direct light could burn the plant.
- If
the foliage on the plant is dark green and limp, it is an indication
the plant needs more light. Ideally, the foliage should be a medium
green to yellowish green color.
Temperature:
- Cymbidums need bright light, but cool temperatures, especially to promote blooming.
- Cymbidiums prefer night time temperatures between 50-60°F and 75-85°F during the day.
- In winter months, the ideal temperatures are 45-55°F at night and 65-75°F during the days.
- It is very important that temperatures are consistent during blooming to prevent bud drop.
Water:
- Cymbidiums
need to be watered consistently during the spring and summer months.
During the winter months watering should be reduced.
- The
best way to water cymbidiums 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.
Humidity:
- During the summer months the ideal humidity level is 70% humidity. In winter 40-60% humidity is adequate.
- It is important to keep air circulating around the plant to prevent fungus.
Feeding:
- During the growing season cymbidiums need a fertilizer than is high in nitrogen like 30-10-10 or a ratio that is similar.
In winter, it is recommended to fertilize once per month, but only after watering to avoid burning.
We just updated the plants at this location and installed two beautiful rhapis palms. It really turned out nice.
Below is the old configuration with ficus trees for comparison.
Light:
- Dendrobiums love morning and afternoon sun. However, they should be shaded from intense afternoon heat.
- Dendrobiums do best in an east or shaded west facing window.
- If
the foliage on the plant is dark green, it is an indication the plant
needs more light. Yellowish leaves indicate the plant is getting to much
light. Ideally, the foliage should be a bright olive green.
Temperature:
- Ideally, dendrobiums need variations of between 15 and 20°F between daytime and
night time temperatures. The night time temperatures should be between
60-65°F and 70-90°F during the day. If the temperatures do get little
high, one should increase the humidity, water and air circulation around
the plant to compensate.
- If dendrobiums are exposed to temperatures below 50°F, there may be some leaf drop.
Water:
- Dendrobiums have water storage bulbs and need to dry out between waterings.
- The
best way to water dendrobiums 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.
Humidity:
- Dendrobiums
need humidity conditions between 50% and 60% humidity. In warmer and
drier conditions, dendrobiums 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.
Feeding:
- In general, dendrobiums 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.
