a friendly, informative orchid
column
Dear Orchid Friends:
Phalaenopsis are ideal orchids for beginning orchid hobbyists. Their growing needs are easily met and they are great houseplants. Phalaenopsis are called the Moth Orchids. Phalaenopsis grow in conditions similar to African violets. This month, I will provide general tips for growing phalaenopsis.
Water: Let pot become nearly dry before watering. Do not let plant dry out completely. Roots adhere to the potting medium and the plant absorbs water from the bark. It is important to thoroughly drench the medium once a week to flush out accumulation of fertilizer salts. Check the plant before each watering and adjust the watering schedule accordingly. It is best to water in the morning and keep water out of the center crown. Standing water in the crown can cause rot.
Temperature: Phalaenopsis like temperatures between 60 to 90 F. Extreme cold is not tolerated. Increase water, air movement when above 85 F. Mist plants in the morning during dry weather or in dry climates. Phalaenopsis like air movement.
Fertilizer: Provide fertilizer on a regular basis. You can use a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer. An occasional bloom booster can promote buds. It is best to fertilize at every other watering.
Potting: Good drainage is important. Generally, phalaenopsis are grown in bark or lava rock. Phalaenopsis may need repotting every 1 1/2 years. Root rot occurs if plants are left in soggy, deteriorated medium.
Blooms: Phalaenopsis can bloom for months at a time.
You will find many differing opinions about growing phalaenopsis orchids, but these instructions have worked well for me. I hope these growing tips will assist you in growing your beautiful orchids.
Until next time,
Vivi
Again, I'd like to welcome the article on
Eu gostaria de ter mais informacaoes sobre as agricultores das orquideas
no Rio e Curitiba. Tambem eu preciso ter mais informacaoes sobre bons
restaurantes em Copacabana, e lugares em Buzios.
Pedo desculpas pelo meu portugues. Estou aprendendo ainda. Porfavor,
podes email con algumas sugestaoes. Muito brigado, Vivi.
Last updated December 31, 1995
Copyright © 1995 Vivian M. Dodge. All rights reserved. Please send
email with
any comments or questions you may have, or permissions you may want.
Thanks
All my pages by Dodge Group
Communications, Inc.
Enjoy
colorful orchids with Vivi's Orchid
Photos.
Check
out the Events and Info section for
the latest in what's happening.
See my
Orchid Menu page for tasty orchid
gift baskets and orchid treats.
Bemvindo Brasileiros! Eu vou
frequentar a 15th Conferencia Mundial de Orquideas no Rio de Janeiro em
Setembro '96. Sempre queria visitar a Brasil e estou muito contente que
eu tenho esta oportunidade para visitar o seu pais e minha familia.
Vivi's Orchid Page