The Moth Orchid

An American Orchid Society demographic survey showed that phalaenopsis have become America's favorite orchid. And no wonder. Perhaps no other orchid is better suited to home orchid growing. Plants with long-lasting sprays of lovely mothlike blooms in a broad array of colors are inexpensive and widely available, ready to give weeks of pleasure in your home or office

Light - Provide bright light, no direct sun. In the home an east, west or shaded south window. Dark green, limp foliage indicates too little light.

Temperature - Nights of 60 to 65 F; days of 75 to 85 F.

Water - Mature plants should seldom dry out between waterings.

Humidity - Phalaenopsis need 60 to 70 percent humidity.

Fertilizer - Must be provided on a regular basis because most potting media have little. A good general rule is to use a balanced (10-10-10, 12-12-12 or similar ratio) fertilizer 'weakly, weekly'. That is, fertilize every week at one quarter to one half of the recommmended dilution.

Potting - Should be done every one to two years before the mix breaks down too far. Best done in late spring after main flowering season, using a well-drained, but water-retentive mix. Select pot size for root mass, not top size.

Learn more - orchidweb.org