How to Fertilize a Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis orchids require a large amounts of nutrients, which they get from fertilizer, to flourish.

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are native to the Asian tropics. The flowers are named for their flat shape, which resembles moth wings. Phalaenopsis orchids grow in every color but blue and red, usually in light, pastel shades. The flowers grow on tree branches, but they are not parasitic. Because the flowers feed so heavily, they must be fertilized correctly -- and often -- to stay healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Balanced fertilizer

Instructions

1. Apply well-balanced fertilizer marked 20-20-20 or 30-30-30 -- the numbers represent the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the product -- to phalaenopsis orchids once a week throughout the spring and summer, using only half the recommended amount on the bag's instructions.

2. Spread the fertilizer around the base of the phalaenopsis orchid evenly and lightly. Do not dig down into the soil, as this may disturb the root system.

3. Water the plant thoroughly once a week between feedings with clear, clean water.

4. Stop fertilizing the orchid weekly in fall, when growth slows and halts.

5. Apply fertilizer once a month in winter during dormancy.

Tips & Warnings

• If the orchid begins to droop and wilt, experiment with giving it less and then more fertilizer to solve the problem. The orchid may wilt both from over feeding and under feeding.

References

• Camp Lot A Noise Tropicals: Phalaenopsis Orchid Culture
• Colorado University Extension Planttalk Colorado; Orchid - Phalaenopsis; Oct. 27, 2010
• American Orchid Society: Phalaenopsis

Resources

• Purdue University Extension; Development of Phalaenopsis Orchids for the Mass-Market; R.J. Griesbach