Many of my customers ask about the Phalaenopsis orchid or "Moth Orchid" plants and how to care for them. I cannot say that I am an expert but I have had my share of orchid plants for sale over the years. They are strong and delicate at the same time, very hardy and beautiful while they are blooming but they can be fussy about the conditions under which they live and thrive. Indirect sunlight is always best, you don't want to cook the blooms or the roots in a hot, super sunny window. Phalaenopsis are planted in a soft medium that holds moisture but don't require soil. In the wild where the orchids originated from, they typically grow in trees and on rocks without soil and take their nutrition from the air. This makes it important to have them in a loose medium without too much water so they can breath the air in from their roots. My favorite watering method is to put the orchid pot in the sink and soak the roots and the flower pot. If there are holes in the bottom of your pot, allow the orchid to sit in the sink and drain for 15 minutes. If there are no drainage holes tip the flower pot to take out the excess water. That is it! Just place the plant back in it's usual home and follow the same steps next week. Being they are used to humid climates I do like to mist the plants a few times a week, depending on how dry it is in your home. Trial and error is the best teacher!
Wishing you Orchid success in your future!
