How to Grow Orchid Doritaenopsis

Doritaenopsis orchids are a hybrid of Doritis and Phalaenopsis orchids.

Orchid plants such as the Doritaenopsis -- a cross between Doritis and Phalaenopsis orchids -- can be fickle to grow, especially since they're hybrid orchids. The right environment, though, can keep your orchids beautiful and constantly blooming during the growing season. If you have the right general environmental set up for a Doritaenopsis -- 60 degree temperatures in Zone 10 hardiness -- you can grow varieties like the Golden Vivien or Happy Valentine to brighten up your home.

Things You'll Need

• 10- to 12-inch plant pot
• Orchid medium such as fir bark or charcoal
• Water

Instructions

1. Place your Doritaenopsis orchid in a 10- to 12-inch pot near bright but indirect light such as an east-facing window. Make sure the light rays do not land directly onto the foliage through glass, as it may cause a burn.

2. Check the environmental temperature during both night and day. Doritaenopsis orchids grow best if nighttime temperatures do not fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand daytime temperatures above 95 degrees so long as the heat is not excessive. Fall temperatures should be between 50 and 60 degrees for optimum flower budding. Keep humidity levels at 50 percent.

3. Fertilize your Doritaenopsis every four weeks with 1/2 tsp. of 15-15-15 balanced fertilizer. You can also use a 7-9-5 blooming fertilizer.

4. Water the pots to medium dryness. Wet roots can damage your Doritaenopsis, while excessive dryness can shrivel it.

Tips & Warnings

• Overfertilizing can burn your Doritaenopsis roots and stunt growth.

• Use perlite, stones, charcoal, fir bark or sphagnum moss as a potting medium for best results. If you repot your Doritaenopsis, be sparing on the water for a few weeks so the roots can get used to the new environment.

References

• Logee's: Cultural Information - Doritaenopsis
• Paramount Orchids: Doritaenopsis Listing