Care tips

Caring for your Phalaenopsis
With proper care, a Phalaenopsis, also known as the butterfly orchid, can offer months of enjoyment and beautiful blooms.Here’s how to keep your orchid healthy and thriving:
Verzorgingstips voor uw Phalaenopsis
Watering

Water your Phalaenopsis just once a week. Remove the plant from its decorative pot and fully submerge the nursery pot in room-temperature water. Let it drain well for about 30 minutes before returning it to the decorative pot. This prevents water buildup at the bottom, which can cause root rot. Water preferably in the morning so the plant can dry out during the day.

Temperature

Phalaenopsis prefers a steady room temperature between 20–22°C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, as these can harm the plant.

Fertilising

For healthy growth and abundant blooming, it's important to fertilise your Phalaenopsis once a month with special orchid fertiliser. Always use fertiliser specifically formulated for orchids.

The ideal placement in your home

Orchids love bright light, but not direct sunlight. Place your Phalaenopsis in a well-lit spot, like near a window, but avoid the harsh midday sun. Keep it away from central heating units, air conditioners or drafty areas. Also, please note, don’t place it next to a fruit bowl; ripening fruit emits ethylene gas, which can negatively impact blooming.

Roots

Sometimes, the roots of your Phalaenopsis grow outside the pot. These are aerial roots, which is perfectly normal. These roots help the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Do not trim them.

Encouraging reblooming

If your Phalaenopsis has finished blooming, trim the old flower spike just above the second node (small bump on the stem, counted from the bottom). In many cases, the plant will bloom again after about three months. To encourage this, place the plant temporarily in a slightly cooler spot (around 18°C) while ensuring it still receives enough light.

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