Phalaenopsis Orchids (“Moth Orchids” or “Phals”)
The best beginner’s orchids, phals can bloom for months at a time in long arching sprays. Choose from classic white or pink, picotees or stripes, or try slightly more difficult yellow or peach colors that grow more slowly and need more light. Also rewarding are the little multifloral types, showy with many branched spikes.
Light - Best in medium light in an eastern window; leaves should be a grassy green (rather than dark green, which indicates lack of light).
Temperature - Day - room temperature, about 70º; Night – about 60º F.
Watering - Drench thoroughly when the potting mix feels dry about one half inch down, usually once to twice a week.
Feeding - Light application of soluble orchid fertilizer once a week.
Potting Mix - Medium orchid bark.
Tips for Rebloom - After the flowers die, cut back the spike to just above the second-lowest “notch”, which will often send out another spray. Allow to grow very dense in the pot before transplanting.
Don't forget: Phalaenopsis must be well-drained, so don't let them stand in water!
Written by Graham Rice