How to Grow Phalaenopsis - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Orchid Category   /   2023

Phalaenopsis, also known as moth orchids, make excellent houseplants because they are easy to grow and bloom indoors. Native to tropical regions, these epiphytic orchids thrive in humid environments with filtered light. Phalaenopsis orchids can be found in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and yellow.

How to Grow Phalaenopsis - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Phalaenopsis plant? Although this plant is easy to grow, you should take some time to acclimate it to your home. Place the plant in a shady spot for a week and then gradually move it into a sunnier location. Water the plant when the soil becomes dry to the touch.

Plant Size

How big can it be? Common ly known as Moth orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids are some of the most popular orchids in the world. They are native to tropical Asia and can be found in rainforests, swamps, and even on trees. Phalaenopsis orchids can grow to be quite large, with some specimens reaching up to 90 cm in height. However, the average plant is usually between 60 and 90 cm tall. Phalaenopsis orchids are available in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? Since these plants are epiphytic, they grow on other plants or trees, in nature. In cultivation, they are grown in pots with a well-drained, bark-based potting mix. Plants should be potted when they become crowded in their current pot. Phalaenopsis grow best in bright, indirect light. They will tolerate lower light levels, but growth will be slower and flowering may be reduced. Plants should be protected from direct sun, which canburn the leaves. Watering should be done when the potting mix is dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to problems with root rot.

Phalaenopsis Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Orchid
Family Orchid
Origin Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? known as moth orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids are long-lived and can blossom for up to 7 years. They are easy to grow, making them a popular choice for beginner orchid growers. Phalaenopsis orchids come in a wide range of colors, from white to pink to purple, and can be found blooming year-round.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? The temperature for a Phalaenopsis orchid should be 50-75,2 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 50-75,2 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Humidity

What about the humidity? The range of 40%-60% is ideal for a Phalaenopsis orchid. If the humidity is too low, the plant will experience dehydration, and if it's too high, the plant may become waterlogged.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? The Phalaenopsis orchid prefers diffused, bright light but will tolerate a range of lighting conditions from east to west windows. If the light is too low, the stems will become spindly and the leaves will yellow. If the light is too high, the leaves will develop brown spots. The ideal light condition for a Phalaenopsis orchid is an east-facing window.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Phalaenopsis? The Phalaenopsis orchid is often found in stores as a pot plant. It has long-lasting flowers in a variety of colors, making it a popular choice for indoor decoration. The plant is not difficult to take care of, but there are a few things to keep in mind when watering and fertilizing it. The Phalaenopsis orchid is a epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants or trees in the wild. In its natural habitat, the orchid would receive nutrients and moisture from the air and rain. When grown in a pot, the plant needs artificial assistance to get the nutrients and moisture it needs. The potting mix for a Phalaenopsis orchid should be light and airy, such as sphagnum peat moss, to allow the roots to breathe. The plant should be watered about once a week, and the potting mix should be allowed to dry out between watering. During the blooming season, the plant should be fertilized about once a month with a weak solution of an all-purpose fertilizer.

Watering Time

How much I must water Phalaenopsis? The plant should be watered moderately, 2 times a week – every 2 weeks. The water should be warm, not hot or cold. The best way to water the plant is to dip it in water or bathe it from above.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. Since these plants are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants or objects, they have adapted to receiving the majority of their nutrients from the air and water around them. Fertilizer provides the Phalaenopsis with the nutrients it needs to grow and bloom. When it comes to fertilizer, less is more for the Phalaenopsis. A low concentration of fertilizer, applied no more than once a month, is all that is needed.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Phalaenopsis? Because Phalaenopsis is a monopodial orchid, it can produce new leaves and roots from the main stem (the "peduncle"). When the plant blooms and the flowers fade, the plant produces a long, thin stalk called the "flower spike" or "inflorescence." The flower spike grows from the main stem, and the flowers bloom along the length of the spike. After the flowers fade, the plant produces new leaves and roots from the main stem.

Bloom

Why Phalaenopsis won't bloom? The Phalaenopsis orchid is a beautiful flower that comes in many colors. It can bloom for 2-4 years, but the seedlings only bloom for 4-5 years.

Caring The Phalaenopsis

How to care the plant? So, to care for a Phalaenopsis orchid, it is important to keep the potting mix moist but not soggy, and to provide high humidity around the plant. One way to provide extra humidity is to set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, making sure that the water level is below the pot's bottom drainage holes. It's also important to avoid drafts, which can damage the plant's leaves. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to water your orchid more often. Be sure to let the potting mix dry out somewhat between watering. It's also important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Phalaenopsis plant? Since orchids have a special water requirements. They need to be watered every day, but in moderation. Excess watering can lead to the fact that the plant will start to hurt. The leaves will begin to turn yellow and fall off. The stem will start to decay. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor the watering of the plant.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Phalaenopsis poisonous? Unless you have a very sensitive stomach, you shouldn't have any problems if you accidentally ingest a small amount of this plant. However, if you have a sensitivity to this plant, you may experience some nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.