How Do You Care for an Orchid (Phalaenopsis)?
An orchid (Phalaenopsis) is grown in bright light without direct sun, watered by soaking about once a week (letting it dry well in between), grows in a bark substrate (never potting soil), and is fed with a special orchid fertiliser during growth. To get it to rebloom, cut the spent flower spike above a node and give it a temperature difference between night and day.
Reputed to be temperamental, the Phalaenopsis orchid is actually simple to look after when you respect a few principles — starting with watering. Here is the guide.
What light and which position?
Orchids love bright but filtered light: an east-facing or curtained window is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which burns the leaves, and cold draughts.
How do you water an orchid?
The best method is soaking: immerse the pot in water for 10-15 minutes once a week, let it drain well, then wait until the roots turn silvery grey again before the next one. Green roots = still enough water. Excess water is the leading cause of death in orchids.
Which substrate for an orchid?
Above all no potting soil: the roots need air. Use a special orchid bark substrate, which drains and lets the roots breathe. Repot every 2 to 3 years, after flowering.
Which fertiliser to get an orchid to rebloom?
During growth, apply a special orchid fertiliser every 2 to 3 weeks (at a reduced dose). It is what supports the formation of new flower spikes.
What to do after flowering?
When the flowers fall, you have two options: if the spike stays green, cut it above the 2nd or 3rd node (the little swellings) to encourage new flowering; if it turns yellow, cut it at the base. A temperature difference between day and night (a few degrees) often triggers reblooming.
FAQ: orchid care
How often should you water an orchid?
About once a week by soaking, letting the substrate and roots dry between waterings. Silvery grey roots indicate it is time to water.
Why won't my orchid rebloom?
Often because of a lack of light, suitable fertiliser, or a day/night temperature difference. Correct these three points to restart flowering.
Should you cut the stem after flowering?
If the spike is still green, cut it above a node to encourage new flowering; if it is dry, cut it at the base.
- Special orchid fertiliser — for reblooming.
- Special orchid bark — the right free-draining substrate.
- Cleaning mist — clean leaves, better lit.
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