It marked the beginning of a successful orchid career for many hobby gardeners. The popular Phalaenopsis is the ideal orchid for beginners because it combines tropical flowers with uncomplicated care. This green guide answers important questions about the perfect cultivation program.
How do I properly care for my Phalaenopsis orchid?
To properly care for the Phalaenopsis orchid, water or immerse the root network in lime-free water, fertilize with special orchid fertilizer and only cut back dead parts of the plant. Fresh substrate and a new pot should be used every 2 years.
How do I water the butterfly orchid correctly?
To get a feel for the water needs of a Phalaenopsis as an orchid novice, we recommend dipping the root network instead of watering. How to do it right:
- If the orchid soil dries, dip the root ball in lime-free, room temperature water
- If no more air bubbles appear, lift the pot out of the water and let it drain well
If you prefer to water, please use a jug with a long neck and let the soft water flow very slowly. When the coaster fills up, the current demand is met. The water collected in it is poured out after 15 minutes at the latest.
When and how should you fertilize a Phalaenopsis?
From April to October, a special orchid fertilizer (€7.00 on Amazon) compensates for the nutrient consumption. Add the liquid fertilizer to the water every third dip or watering. If you care for a Phalaenopsis hybrid that blooms all year round, the nutrient supply will continue throughout the winter. From November to March, extend the fertilization intervals to 6 to 8 weeks.
Can you cut back the moth orchid?
You are doing a good job as an orchid gardener if you never cut off green parts of your Phalaenopsis. Only use a scalpel, scissors or knife when a leaf or stem has completely died. Until then, if you accept the impaired appearance without hesitation, your prudence will have a beneficial effect on the vitality and willingness to bloom of your moth orchid.
Some of the most beautiful butterfly orchids have fresh buds sprouting on the lower stem, while the flowers at the top are wilting. In this lucky case, just cut off the dried shoot and leave the green stem base for fresh shoots.
Tip
Every 2 years the care program is supplemented by changing to fresh substrate and a new culture pot. The best time is a day in early spring, shortly before new growth. When repotting, please be sure to use special substrate for orchids, because conventional potting soil is completely unsuitable for the epiphytic Phalaenopsis.
