It’s time to rescue those struggling indoor orchids and bring them back to life.
Jump to Our Latest Range of Phalaenopsis Orchids In Store Now
Phalaenopsis orchids (or moth orchids) are some of the easiest indoor plants to care for. Yet, we are all guilty of waiting for flower spikes to re-emerge and staring at lacklustre leathery leaves. Once an impulse buy from the bargain table or a parting gift from the old office, phalaenopsis orchids often find themselves chucked in the bin after their flowers fade. But don’t give up! Follow these five simple steps to get your plant flowering again.
1. Potting Mix
Orchids are epiphytic plants, which means they absorb water and nutrients from their surroundings. Naturally occurring in rainforests, wild orchids are often found growing on tree trunks or branches rather than in soil. When you purchase an orchid, you’ll most likely find it encased in sphagnum moss. While this moss is useful for retaining moisture when watering is irregular, orchids don’t require constant dampness. Unless you’re attaching an orchid to a vertical planter, it will benefit most from a loose potting mix, such as orchid bark.
We like using Craig Miller-Randle’s recipe for epiphytic plants from his book Green Thumb:
5 parts orchid bark
1 part horticultural charcoal
1 part perlite
2. Sunlight
Too much sun or not enough? It can be pretty tricky to get lighting right for a moth orchid, however, considering they naturally grow under trees in humid rainforests, we can deduce they like a bit of both. In places like Tasmania, where sunlight can sometimes come at a premium, phalaenopsis orchids benefit from being placed at a windowsill that receives at least two to four hours of sunlight a day. Morning light is preferable, as the harsh afternoon sun can scorch their leaves.
3. Watering
If the roots of your orchid are not silver, they don’t need water. When the roots turn silver, place your orchid in the sink and soak them for no more than 15 minutes. Afterwards, drain your plant thoroughly, ensuring it doesn’t sit in standing water.
4. Stop Adding Ice to Your Orchid Roots
It’s an orchid, not an iced latte. While a gradual drop in temperature can help induce flowering, adding ice to orchids is an outdated practise that stresses the plant rather than benefits it.
5. Fertilising
Fertilising phalaenopsis orchids ensures they receive the nutrients they would otherwise absorb from their natural environment. Add liquid fertiliser to your watering routine at least once a month to keep your orchid healthy and encourage long-lasting blooms. We recommend the following fertilisers:
