Phalaenopsis cultivation

Phalaenopsis are native to Asia. They grow as epiphytes (i.e. they do not grow in the ground but on other plants, such as trees for example), on the edges of forests or in clearings, at altitudes below 400 meters. They therefore benefit from a warm and humid climate.

Temperatures

Phalaenopsis are warm and humid climate plants, they can spend the whole year indoors, between 16 and 21 °C.

Exposure

You can place your Phalaenopsis orchid less than 1 meter from a well-exposed window (you will make sure to put up a net curtain in summer if the window is exposed due south). If the window where you can place it is less well-exposed, you can move the Phalaenopsis closer to the glazing.

Watering

Phalaenopsis need regular watering, they also need to dry between two waterings. Bathe the plant for 15 minutes once a week (in summer) or every 15 days (in winter) then let it drain well. Never let water stagnate at the base. Your Phalaenopsis needs to dry between two waterings. Over time you will see when the pot is almost dry and it is time to water your plant again. The color of the roots can also be an indicator of your plant's thirst. When they, inside the pot, have become gray again, you can water your Phalaenopsis.

Use non-calcareous water (ideally rainwater).

More watering tips here .

Fertilizer

Add fertilizer (special for orchids) every 2 waterings, all year round.

Repotting

Epiphytic orchids are grown in a substrate based on pine bark . For growing Phalaenopsis, we recommend a medium-sized bark, which allows good aeration of the roots, to which we can add sphagnum moss. This substrate should be renewed every 2 to 3 years. For our repotting advice, click here .