How do I care for Phalaenopsis orchids.?
Question:I have been gifted with a lovely white Phalaenopsis for my desk. It has 3 bulbs which haven't opened yet. I am known as the "orchid slayer" and have put 3 previous specimins out of their misery. I need help on, where to place it, how often to water it and what to expect when all the flowers fall off and i'm left with a stem.
Thanks a lot!
Answers:
HI, I have thirty two orchid plants, and haven't lost one yet. I really don't do to much to them except water them and put them in new pots when my husband knocks them off the windowsill. First you need to give then humidity,so put a shallow container of water,with some pebbles in it ,under the pot(don't let it set in the water). I water once a week by putting them in the sink an filling the water up to the rim of the flowerpot. Let them stay in there for fifteen minutes. I also feed them with Orchid food,but I dilute it,say 1/3 of what your actually supposed to use. That way I just water with it every time I water instead of trying to remember how many weeks goes by until I feed them again. Their Happy,I guess they are, they keep blooming. Oh, when the flowers fall off ,your supposed to cut the stalk just above where the first flower bloomed. Sometimes it grows more flowers from the same stalk, and water up to three times a week in the summer if it gets real hot outside. I keep mine in a east facing window. Bye
They like high humidity in general, but that does not mean to over water it. That will attract pests like fruit flies. Let the soil become only slightly moist before you water. Keep it out of direct sun light. Orchids grow under the canopy in the rain forest in the pockets of trees. Try to duplicate that environment the best you can, and you will have success.
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