Phalaenopsis Orchid Plant Care 101

By Ashley Dyer

The popular Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the easiest varieties of orchids to grow as a houseplant. It is often called the beginner orchid due to its easy going nature or the moth orchid due to the shape of its blooms.

Here are some helpful tips to care for your orchids:

Sunlight: Thrives in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate medium indirect light.

Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. If kept in a decorative cache planter, pour out excess water after watering. Expect to water more often in bright light and less often in lower light.

Humidity: Orchids do not like dry air, so be sure to keep humidity around the plant anywhere from 50-70%. During the fall or winter, you can help boost humidity with a humidifier.

Temperature: Average home temperature of 65-75 degrees. That can tolerate as low as 55° F and as high as 85° F.

Potting Mix: Smaller orchids are potted in either a coco plug or moss. They can remain in the same potting environment for 1-2 years, until their roots and leaves have outgrown the size of the pot and the orchid needs fresh nutrients and larger space.

Larger orchids are usually potted in a bark media. Bark provides the proper airflow required to keep mature roots happy and healthy.

Common Problems

Symptom: Wilting or wrinkling of the leaves
Cause: Underwatered

Symptom: Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatered or too much sun.

Symptom: Wilting flowers
Cause: Ending its yearly blooming cycle, storing up energy to rebloom.