Light:
Orchids like bright light but do not like direct sun. They have approximately the same light conditions as African Violets between 1000 to 1500 foot candles. The foliage should appear yellow-green not dark green if the light is correct. If the leaves are dark green or the new leaf growing longer and narrower than the old leaf is an indication that the light is too low.
Temperature:
The ideal day temperatures are between 65 and 85 F. (18 - 29 C). Ideal nighttime temperatures are between 55 and 65 F. (13-18 C). The normal home temperature of 72 - 78 F. (22 - 26 C.) is fine for Phalaenopsis. If you are comfortable with the temperature, Phalaenopsis will be as well. In the fall Phalaenopsis need the temperature to fall below 60 F. (16 C.) for three weeks to induce the plant to initiate a flower spike. A spike should start to appear about three weeks after this cold treatment. It is possible to grow Phalaenopsis under artificial light. Grow them 9 to 12 inches under fluorescent grow lights or 4 to 6 feet under 400 watt high intensity discharge lights or high pressure sodium lights. Your Phalaenopsis should have a flower spike growing by February. If it does not have a spike by then move it to where it will receive more light. Even a small incandescent light can make a difference.
Humidity:
Phalaenopsis orchids appreciate a more humid environment between 40% - 70 % relative humidity. One way to increase the humidity is to put a plate or saucer with little pebbles in it and put water in it. Put the orchids ABOVE the water. This increases the humidity around the plant. Phalaenopsis like it when the humidity is relatively high. You can also use humidity trays that are designed expressly for this purpose. They are usually plastic and have a reservoir for the water and a tray that holds the plants above the water. Usually they come apart for easy cleaning.
Plants should be thoroughly watered when approaching dry but prefer not to completely dry out. In my conditions that is about once every week to ten days. However when in doubt, go drought. DO NOT use water that has been water softened as it can kill your orchids. It is important to give the plant a complete drenching when you water. It is best to water early in the day so that the leaves dry out. Do not leave water collected in the crown of Phalaenopsis as they are prone to crown rot. If necessary use a paper towel or something like that to soak up the puddle of water in the crown. Or have your Phalaenopsis located somewhere where it gets very good air circulation.
One good method to water plants is to put them in a sink and run water through the pot 3 or 4 times over a 15 minute period. Then, if it is time to fertilize do it then as the roots have swollen somewhat and can absorb the nutrients.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize with a balanced formula every two weeks, however dilute the fertilizer to between 1/4 and 1/2 the recommended strength of the dilution. The adage is "weakly, weekly". That said it is best to reduce the amount of fertilizer during the winter months when most plants are not in active growth. Do not fertilize orchids when they are dry. Only fertilize after you have given the plant a good drenching and the "velamen" has had a chance to absorb some water. Velamen, you ask? Velamen is the name of the thick spongy outer layer of cells on the roots of epiphytic orchids that absorbs moisture from the surroundings. That way your plant can properly uptake the nutrients in the fertilizer.
Posted by
Angie
3 comments:
What kind of mix do you plant them in? Should it be light & airy or more condensed? What is the best thing to put on top of the soil...I've heard different things?
The growing materials required for the orchids are very diverse from the other plants such as vegetables or trees. Rather than organic composts or soils, orchid plants require a suitable blend of aerating materials as well as water retaining materials. Ratio of both the material depends upon the kind of orchid that is grown. Undue moisture, usually settles around the pockets of the orchid potting mix, owing to this there is quick decomposition of the compost. The arising of this situation results in rotting of the roots of orchids and also, the leaves of the plant turns yellow. An amateur orchid grower will conceive that owing to less watering the plant has refuted to this condition. Perhaps, then the grower will over water the plant and thereby, further harm the roots and ultimately destroy the plant.
Organic Orchid Potting Mix:
The orchids usually grow, if a blend of organic as well as inorganic fibers is used in combination. These Orchid potting Mix are easily available in any local nursery, they are very simple to use and not so expensive. Alternatively, an orchid grower can also create his own mix involving a whole range of materials. Every mix accompanies with itself a whole lot of benefits that can be virtually experimented in order to gain the experience. Majority of the materials that are employed for Orchid Potting Mix is fine, coarse ranks and medium. Below mentioned are the organic alternatives of the Orchid potting mix:
Fir Bark: These are very easy to obtain, cheap, comparatively slow with respect to decomposition. However, finds difficulty in retaining the water at the outset.
Coconut Husks: These are amid the first kind of fibers ever employed for the orchids. They are economical, accommodates water reasonably well and lightweight. However, they get decayed quiet rapidly as compared to fir bark.
Redwood Bark: They retain water in a better manner than the Fir bark as well they decay at a slow pace.
Tree Fern Fiber: They are perfect Orchid Potting Mix owing to their ability to do proper drainage. They are slow in decomposing but are very rarely available.
Inorganic Orchid Potting Mix:
Below mentioned are the alternatives with respect to inorganic materials:
Lava Rock: They have a very good drainage capability and do not crumple. However, they are heavier potting mix.
Charcoal: The Potting mix made up of Charcoal are slow in decaying. They assimilate the toxic matters.
Vermiculite: They are good in retaining water, which results in enhanced level of aeration to the orchid plant.
Pearlite: This mix assimilates water, has high resistance to decay, is light and is used together with supplementary inorganic material. If this Orchid Potting mix is used solely, then it will result in admitting excessive water.
With the help of the above ingredients, an orchid grower can make customized orchid potting mix for a specific orchid.
This mix works well:
Orchid Potting Mix
1 part peat moss
6 parts fir bark
1 part medium grade charcoal
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