Moth Orchid (Phalenopsis)
The easiest orchid to grow. Flowers carried on a long spike, with 3-12 blooms, that last 2-4 months. Blooms 2 times each year, with good culture. Flowers are white, purple, pink, yellow and novelty colors.
Light: East is best, north tolerated, south or west with some protection from hot Summer sun.
Temperature: Room temperature, 65-85 F. In the Fall, chill at night for 3-4 weeks. A 15-20 F change from day to night will induce spike initiation. Leave window open at night or place orchid outdoors in shady spot to achieve spiking.
Moisture: Water thoroughly every 5-7 days. Maintain humidity by misting daily, setting plant on pebble tray, or humidifier nearby.
Nutrition: Fertilize weekly with 20-10-20 in Spring and Summer and biweekly in Fall and Winter with 6-30-30.
Potting: Repot in Spring if bark mix stays too wet, or roots grow out of the pot.
Tips: Breaking the spike below the first flower before Mother’s Day may induce a secondary spike and flowers will bloom in another 2-3 months, for 2 months. Remove all spikes at the base after second blooming. If plant is stressed, it may produce a keiki( baby) which will form a new plant. The two most common reasons for stress is extreme climate changes (ex. temperature, humidity) and over watering.
Experience Level: Beginner
Other Beginner Plants
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Lady Slipper Orchid 
| Zytopetalum Orchid  |
Anthurium |