How to look after your Phalaenopsis

Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis species) produce beautiful flowers on long stems, and individual flowers can last as long as 3 months, so with a little care you can have a plant to treasure.

Where do I keep my Orchid?
Ideally the plant should be placed in a bright place out of the direct sun. A bathroom or kitchen windowsill is excellent. Do not cover the clear growing pot because the roots need light to help the plant grow. The pot may be stood on some gravel in a saucer which should be kept moist.

What temperature does my plant prefer?
A minimum of 18-20C should be kept. While they will be happy at higher temperatures up to 26C they will only make new flowering shoots when the temperature is kept lower.

How do I water and feed my Phalaenopsis orchid?
At Riley's we grow our plants carefully and gently so that you get the sturdiest plant possible. The growing medium should be kept moist but not wet, and it is very open to allow the roots to get plenty of air. Watering should be done once or twice a week using tepid rain water if possible. Put plenty of water into the pot and allow to drain. Do not wet or spray the flowers but the leafs will benefit from a regular spraying. Phalaenopsis do not need a lot of fertiliser. Proprietary feeds are available from any good garden centre. If you are using fertiliser than it is important to miss one feeding out of every four to avoid salt built up.

What do I do when the flower spike has finished flowering?
Cut the flower spike back to just above a bud and a new flower spike may develop. If you already have some new growth on the spike cut back just above the new growth. Other flower spikes may develop from the base of the plant. The developing spikes look rather like new roots, but they will soon start growing upwards. These new shoots can be supported with a cane or allowed to arch over down the side of the pot.

Do I have to repot my orchid
Your orchid will not normally need repotting for at least 18-24 months. Your garden centre can usually supply you with special compost and the pots needed.

Where do Phalaenopsis come from?
Moth Orchids are epiphytes and in their natural habitat they live in the canopies of tropical rainforests mainly in the Far East. They are used to low light levels, higher temperatures and a moist environment. There fleshy roots contain chlorophyll, and in their natural habitat they cling firmly to the bark of the tees and absorb water and nutrients.

What can go wrong with my orchid?

Flowers suddenly wilt on the stem.
The plant has been given too much water, let the compost dry out for a few days before watering. This can also happen if the plant has been kept too hot or cold such as in a closed conservatory or car.

Brown yellow areas develop on the leaves?
The plant has been given too much light, keep in a bright shady place.

Leaves turn yellow.
This is a natural happening for the bottom leaf to die back. Leave it until it drops off naturally. If a top leaf turns yellow then in most cases the plant has been overwatered and you should allow the compost to dry sufficiently. This leaf will eventually drop off.

Sticky patches are found on the plant
This is most likely caused by brown scale insects or mealybugs. Search the whole plant and wipe the pest off. Repeat regularly (once per week) until the problem has been solved.