How to Grow Phalaenopsis Orchids

While many orchids have a reputation for being quite finicky and hard to grow, Phalaenopsis orchids are the exception to the rule. When it comes to orchid care, these orchids are fun, easy plants to grow. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and some have stripes or spots, making them a stylish addition to your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pot your Phalaenopsis orchid in a pot that gives it plenty of room to grow. Since these plants can live a long time, you want to encourage the plant to continue to grow as part of your orchid care. Use a quick draining potting mix so the roots don't sit in the water and develop root rot.

2. Place your orchid where it will get plenty of light. Too much direct sun can burn the plant so use a window where the orchid doesn't get mid-day sun.

3. Keep the temperature between 55 and 80 degrees as part of your orchid care. The Phalaenopsis orchid also prefers a humidity that's between 50 and 80 percent.

4. Water your orchid frequently enough that the medium never totally dries out. Test the soil and when it's nearly dry, it's time to water.

5. Fertilize your plants using an orchid fertilizer. Read the label on the fertilizer, but in general you want to feed your plant once a month.

Tips & Warnings

• If your orchid's leaves are dark green, it's not getting enough light. If the leaves are reddish green, it's getting too much light. You want the leaves to be a bright green color for a healthy orchid.
• If your orchid plant won't bloom despite your orchid care, try moving it to a different spot where it gets better light. Insufficient light is one of the main reasons Phalaenopsis orchids won't bloom.
• At a higher humidity, make sure to keep the air moving around your orchid to avoid fungus and bacteria problems.