How to care for your Phalaenopsis in a ceramic container

 

Light:  Moderate to bright indirect light. Ideally, early morning direct light as in an east window.  West windows are good provided that direct sun is not on the orchid during the heat of the day.  Evening sun is OK.  A south window with defused light or away from the direct sunlight. The foliage should be a medium green color, indicating that the orchid is recieving enough light to flower.

 

Temperature:  The ideal tempurature during the day is 75 to 85 F.  Higher temperatures to 98 F will require less light and more air movement to prevent sunburn on the leaves.  To induce re-blooming, night temperatures need range from 58-64 F.  Temperatures below 60 degrees can damage the foliage of the plant.

 

Watering:  Watering should be done in the morning hours.  Water is an essential nutrient for plant's development.  Phalaenopsis orchids do not have a water storage mechanism, like a Psuedobulb. but they do store some water in their thick fleshly leaves.  A consistent watering schedule is very important for maximum flower life and to maintain a healthy plant.

 

Most of the ceramic containers are custom made to hold our clear grower pot.  You should see a clear plastic pot inside the ceramic container.  If this is the case, you can carefully remove the grower pot from the ceramic container.  You can water heavy overhead, or soak potted orchid in the sink for five minutes.  In cold areas, the water temperature should not be below 45°F.   Watering with ice cubes in NOT recommended.  In moderate light, water once every 7 to 10 days in winter, and every 5 to 7 days during the long days of summer.  This may need to be increased in brighter, warmer conditions.  When in doubt, check the bottom of the pot, if it looks dry, then water.

 

Can’t see the plastic grower pot?  No problem

Water with 1/2 cup of water twice a week.  Let the water soak in for five minutes, then tip the container on its side for two to three minutes to drain out any excess water.  Very little water should drain out.  Water every 7 days.

 

Feeding:  Phalaenopsis are heavy feeders and require fertilizing every second watering.  Use Gubler's Pro Blend Orchid Food 19-8-16.  This formula is exactly what we use to grow our Phalaenopsis year round.  By feeding every second watering, you will be feeding more during the longer days of summer when the orchid requires more water, and feeding less in the shorter days of winter.  Advanced growers and greenhouse growers can feed every watering with half teaspoon per gallon of water.

 

Repotting:  Should be done once a year.  It is best to repot immediately after flowering.  Plants that have overgrown their grower's pot should be potted into a suitable container the next size larger.  You may choose any container, provided it has good bottom drainage.  We do not recommend pots with slits on the side as you will "wash" out a little mix each time your water.  Transplant using Gubler's Orchid Grow Mix Fine Grade for all Phalaenopsis orchids.