The phalaenopsis is one of the most beautiful and long lasting blooms in the orchid family. Out of the naturally occurring varieties, phalaenopsis orchid care is considerably easy making it a fantastic house plant. That is why this fashionable flower is often the first choice of orchid consumers all over the world.
There are many varieties of the phalaenopsis orchid. Each flower can be easily identified as a member of the family by the shape of its petals. The elegant and curving blooms evoke the image of a graceful butterfly and the brilliant colors and patterns of the petals further solidify the likeness. These orchids flourish naturally at the higher altitudes and in the humid conditions of many mountainous regions.
Orchids
In order to keep these beauties blooming in your home, it is important to know simple phalaenopsis orchid care tactics necessary to facilitate optimum growth. The main elements that effect development are light, temperature, water, nourishment, humidity and root care.
1. Light
Phalaenopsis orchid care includes a generous amount of sunlight throughout the year. Direct sun can be dangerous, however, and lead to scorching. This orchid will flourish best when placed near a southward facing window that has a screen or filter in place to reduce the harshness of the rays. If you live in a particularly cloudy or shady region, you can supplement with a special daylight simulating fluorescent lamp or white reflective surrounds near the plant for proper phalaenopsis orchid care.
2. Temperature
This plant does best in a moderate and easy to achieve daytime temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees. Being native to mountainous regions, they cannot stand sustained warm temperatures and require a significant degree drop of 15 degrees overnight. Just make sure to close vents or turn off the heaters in your orchid's room during the night.
3. Water
Less is more with phalaenopsis orchid care when watering these types of plants. This goes for the phalaenopsis as well. The plant requires very little hydration and its root system is easily susceptible to over watering. Simply check the dampness of the soil around the plant and only add water when absolutely necessary.
4. Nourishment
Though the phalaenopsis produces its own food by transforming light into nutrients through the process of photosynthesis, it is essential to supplement house plants with additional fertilizer. A visit to your local plant store and a quick chat with an expert will help you find the best specialized orchid feed for your proper phalaenopsis orchid care. For best results, it should be administered at least once a month and more frequently during its blooming period.
5. Humidity
The wing-like blooms of the phalaenopsis family insist on being in an exceptionally humid environment. Most homes do not have these high levels of moisture readily available, so you'll need to create it for your plant. You can do so by keeping containers full of water or damp stones close to the plant, regularly misting the area with a spray bottle, or running a humidifier in the room.
6. Root Care
Last on our list for correct phalaenopsis orchid care, but certainly not least in the preservation of any plant is how to take care of the vital root system. The phalaenopsis will thrive best in a pot made of natural porous material so that maximum air flow and water absorption is possible. It should be planted in a specialized orchid medium consisting of large bits organic matter to further aid in soaking up excess moisture. Every year or year-and-a-half, it will be necessary to re-pot the orchid in order to accommodate the rapidly growing roots. The new pot should be only slightly larger than the last and made of a similar material.
By following these simple phalaenopsis orchid care guidelines, you will be providing your phalaenopsis orchid with the best possible environment for growth and it will provide you with long lasting gorgeous blossoms for years to come.
How to Take Care of Phalaenopsis Orchids
Carl Harrison is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on phalaenopsis orchid care, visit http://www.theorchidresource.com