Ruqayyah Snyder
Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are the most popular indoor orchids, with exotic, long-lasting flowers. They are easy to look after and grow well in centrally heated rooms. They are grown in very loose, airy compost, mainly made of composted bark. Here is a guide on how to care for phalaenopsis orchids in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light with little or no sun |
| Temperature | 24-29°C during the day, above 60°F at night |
| Humidity | 50-80% |
| Watering | Water regularly, but only when the plant begins to dry out; avoid getting water on the leaves or in the crown |
| Potting | Use a porous, airy mix of orchid bark or sphagnum moss with perlite; repot annually or after flowering |
| Feeding | Feed with a high-potassium liquid orchid food every 2 weeks or every 3-4 waterings |
| Pruning | Cut the flowered stem just below the last flower to encourage new growth |
| Pests | Watch out for mealy bugs and apply spray oil or insecticide if necessary |
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What You'll Learn
Watering and humidity
Phalaenopsis orchids require careful watering and humidity control to thrive. These tropical orchids are typically grown in containers with bark for drainage, which can make watering a delicate task. The key is to maintain consistent moisture without letting the roots sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.
When watering your Phalaenopsis orchid, it is crucial to allow the plant to dry out slightly between waterings. Watering frequency will depend on the climate and season. During the growing season, water your orchid about once a week, allowing it to dry out first. In the summer heat, you may need to water every other day if the climate is dry, while in cooler winter months, you can reduce watering to every 10 days or so. Always water in the morning, and avoid splashing the leaves or getting water into the crown, as this can cause crown rot.
To water your orchid effectively, place the plant in a sink or tub, or hold the container under a gently running tap, being careful not to wet the leaves. Alternatively, stand the pot in a bowl of water and allow it to drain thoroughly. After watering, tip out any excess water that collects in the saucer.
In addition to regular watering, maintaining humidity is vital for Phalaenopsis orchids. These plants prefer humidity levels between 50% and 80%. To create a humid environment, place the pot on a tray of gravel or pebbles, partially filled with water. Ensure the pot is not sitting directly in the water, as this can lead to root rot and fungal issues. The gravel or pebbles keep the plant in a humid zone while allowing the roots to breathe.
During hot weather, you can also lightly mist your Phalaenopsis orchid to increase humidity. However, be cautious not to mist the flowers, as this can cause spotting. Additionally, ensure there is adequate air movement around the plant, especially in high humidity and cool temperatures, to prevent fungal or bacterial diseases.
Proper watering and humidity practices are essential for the health and beauty of Phalaenopsis orchids. By following these guidelines, you can create an environment that promotes the growth and flowering of these graceful plants.
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![[Upgraded] DUSPRO Orchid Potting Mix for Repotting with Forest Moss, Pine Bark, Perlite & Pumice, Orchid Bark Potting Mix, Orchid Repotting Soil, Drainage Indoor Potting, Orchid Pot Not Included,1 QRT](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91VterirZ1L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Repotting and fertilising
Repotting Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as Moth orchids, is best done in the spring, immediately after flowering. However, it can be done at any time, especially if the plant is grown indoors, as long as the roots are kept as intact as possible. The ideal time to repot is when the orchids are out of bloom. Once the flowering is finished, the orchid will focus on growing new roots and leaves in preparation for new flower spikes.
Phalaenopsis orchids grow along the surface of flower pots, sending a few roots into the bark-growing medium. If the roots have attached to the pot or old bark medium, soak the plant for a long time so they can be gently pried off without damage. Cut off any dead, discoloured, or damaged roots, and rinse away the old degraded bark from the plant. Shorten the remaining healthy roots to about 12 cm (5 inches). Healthy roots are plump, firm, and silvery-white.
Select a commercial orchid bark mix and a new container with excellent drainage. Simply suspend the plant over the new pot and gently fill in around the bottom roots with new bark until the plant sits on top. Water the newly repotted plant to further settle the new bark around the roots. Be careful not to overpot into too large a container – if there is too much compost, it will stay wet for too long, causing the roots to rot. Phalaenopsis orchids thrive on repotting, especially the younger ones. Fresh orchid mix is essential for fresh new growth.
Fertilising Phalaenopsis orchids should be done lightly but regularly during the growing season using a specific orchid fertiliser. Feed sparingly, if at all, during the winter months. When using fertiliser, follow the manufacturer's instructions, as overfeeding can be damaging. A high-potassium liquid orchid food such as the Thrive Orchid Liquid Plant Food can be used to encourage flowering. Apply the dilute fertiliser every two weeks or according to the instructions on the container.
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Light and temperature
Phalaenopsis orchids require bright, indirect light. They grow well in a bright window with little to no sun, such as an east-facing window, or a shaded south or west-facing window. In the winter, they can be moved to a window with more direct light. If your orchid is not flowering, try moving it to a brighter window or placing it outdoors in a shady location during the summer.
The ideal temperature for Phalaenopsis orchids is 24-29 degrees Celsius during the day and above 18 degrees Celsius at night. They can tolerate temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius in humid areas. However, cold conditions can slow their growth and damage their flowers, so keep them away from cold windows, air conditioners, and drafts. In the fall, you can encourage blooming by allowing your orchid to experience cooler night temperatures for several nights before bringing it back indoors.
If you are growing your orchid indoors, you can use artificial light. Place LED lights or lightbulbs 30-60 cm above the plant, emitting at least 10,000 lumens. The lowest number of lumens for growth is about 2,000, but flowering may be poor.
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Orchid health issues
Phalaenopsis orchids are generally easy to care for and can be grown as houseplants. However, they are susceptible to various pests and diseases, which can affect their health.
Pests
Pests that can affect Phalaenopsis orchids include the orchid blossom midge, a recently arrived pest in Australia. The orchid blossom midge's larvae have been intercepted on Dendrobium orchid species shipped from Cambodia, Japan, and Thailand. Other pests to look out for include scale, mealybugs, mites, slugs, snails, and aphids.
Diseases
Phalaenopsis orchids are susceptible to bacterial infections, such as wet rot, which can cause small, water-soaked spots on the leaves, surrounded by yellow halos. If left untreated, the infection can spread rapidly, causing the leaves and roots to rot within a few days. The bacteria enter through wounds and thrive in hot and moist conditions. To treat bacterial infections, remove infected tissue with a sterile instrument and spray adjacent and infected plants with bactericides containing quaternary ammonium products or copper compounds. Disinfect the growing area with a 10% bleach solution and treat nearby plants as well.
Another disease that affects Phalaenopsis orchids is Fusarium, which blocks the flow of moisture through the plant's vascular system. It can infect the orchid through the roots or by invading the rhizome of recently divided plants. The pathogen is often spread through improper hygiene, specifically through the use of non-sterile cutting tools. Infected leaves will appear yellow, thin, shrivelled, wrinkled, or wilted and will eventually die. If the infection is extensive, the entire rhizome may turn purple, and the discoloration may extend to the pseudobulbs. To prevent Fusarium, practice proper hygiene and sterilize cutting tools after each use, preferably through flame sterilization.
Additionally, Phalaenopsis orchids are susceptible to bud blast, which causes blister-like swellings on the leaves that can become corky over time. Nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium deficiencies, can also affect the health of Phalaenopsis orchids, leading to symptoms such as chlorosis, necrotic damage to new growth, and excessive leaf yellowing on older leaves. Excess salts in water supplies and over-fertilization can result in salt toxicity, manifested by black leaf tips.
To prevent and manage orchid health issues, it is important to maintain proper sanitation, avoid over-watering and over-fertilizing, and practice proper hygiene when handling and caring for your orchids.
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Orchid varieties and characteristics
Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are the most popular indoor orchid variety. They are characterised by their exotic, long-lasting flowers, which come in a range of colours, including white, pink, purple, yellow, peach, and burgundy. The petals may be veined, patterned, or blotched with a combination of these colours. The tall, arching flower stems can be produced at any time of year and sprout from a clump of long, leathery, evergreen leaves.
Phalaenopsis orchids are tropical orchids that grow on tree trunks and branches in the warm sections of the tropics worldwide. They tend to hang on tree bark and send out aerial roots along their stems. The roots will often sprawl outside the container and even along the shelf surface. This is normal and should not be cut off.
There are many varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids, including the following:
- Phalaenopsis multiflorals and minis
- Novelty Phalaenopsis
- Phalaenopsis amabilis
- Phalaenopsis Ackers Sweetie
- Phalaenopsis bellina f. pink x sib (fragrant)
- Phalaenopsis I-Hsin Sesame
- Phalaenopsis Jiaho Dance Girl
- Phalaenopsis Ming Hsing Cute Pinky 'M261'
- Phalaenopsis Ox Golden Sands Golden Goblin
- Phalaenopsis MS Yellow Lime 'MBL007'
- Phalaenopsis Yushan Little Cumquat (fragrant)
Phalaenopsis orchids are easy to care for and can be grown in centrally heated rooms with indirect light from an east or west window. They should be watered weekly during the growing season, with reduced watering in winter, and fertilised regularly during the growing season using a specific orchid fertiliser.
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