How to Care for a Phaius Orchid
Phaius orchids are dramatic flowers with petals reminiscent of colorful wings. Unlike tropical orchids that usually grow in or on tree bark, Phaius orchids are terrestrial orchids that grow in the ground. This makes their initial setup much less challenging for gardeners. Though typically grown outdoors in the ground, they are also elegant potted plants and adapt well to indoor environments. Thirty varieties are available, including hybrids with arresting designs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant the orchid in a well-drained spot that receives lots of sun, with midday shade. Phaius orchids enjoy warmth and sun, but they need protection from waterlogging and sunburn. If you have soil prone to sogginess, prepare raised beds for orchid planting. Alternatively, horticulturalists writing for the University of Florida Extension recommend mixing perlite and organic matter -- such as peat -- into the soil to increase drainage and inspire healthy growth.
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Apply a light layer of compost mulch around, but not on top of, the orchid growing site. This helps the soil retain moisture, prevents weeds from growing and adds nutrients that promote terrestrial orchid health.
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Water thoroughly with room temperature or lukewarm water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Frequent irrigation is key to Phaius orchid survival, according to Ortho Books' "Complete Guide to Orchids."
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Fertilize lightly with diluted fertilizer each time you water, with 2 tsp. fertilizer per gallon of water. To ensure you have the correct fertilizer, look at the three numbers, which represent nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and choose a fertilizer with an equal ratio of all three, such as 12-12-12. Dilute with water to one fourth or one half strength, as full-strength fertilizers burn orchid roots.
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Pluck old flowers off the plant after the blooming period. This prevents the orchid from wasting nutrients and redirects energy to the roots.
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Apply a mulch of pine needles or straw during winter months. As a terrestrial orchid, the Phaius variety is fairly tolerant of cold conditions, but mulching keeps the orchid healthy in extreme conditions.
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Tips & Warnings
Once a month, flush out the excess salts with plain, unfertilized water.
To encourage flowering, apply a fertilizer with high levels of phosphorus, indicated by the middle number in the sequence.
