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LIGHT
Moth orchids like
bright indirect light. They
will thrive in eastern, or
shady western or southern
exposures. You may also be able
to get some blooms in a bright
northern window. Do not place
phalaenopsis in full
sun.
Let
the foliage be your
guide: leaves should be
medium green, and firm.
Floppy long dark green
leaves means that the
phal is not getting
enough light.
Excessive dark
reddish pigmentation on the
leaves may indicate excessive
light which can result in fewer
and smaller flowers. Phals can
also be grown very well under
lights, especially fluorescent
tubes.
In general, aim for foliage
that is a light green in color.
If your plant blooms well then
that means it is probably
getting optimal light.
Medium green
firm leaves indicates this
phalaenopsis is getting enough
light. The very slight reddish
tinge near the base indicates
that no more light is
necessary.
TEMPERATURE AND
VENTILATION
Phalaenopsis
orchids are considered
warm growing
orchids. They need
night-time temperature lows of
about 65F (18C) and tolerate
day-time temperature highs of
about 85F (29C). A few degrees
divergence from these
temperatures is
tolerated.
Orchids need at least a 10
degree difference between
night-time lows and day-time
highs to thrive.
Why?
Because orchids
synthesize their food
through photosynthesis,
during the day. If night
temperatures are too
high, they end up burning
up this food--they need
lower temperatures at
night in to save their
food, which they can then
use to flower. This night
time temperature drop is
required by many moth
orchids if they are to
bloom. Don't worry, there
are some easy tricks to
give them the nighttime
temperatures that they
need to
flower.
A drop in night temperatures
(to about 55-60) for a month,
especially during the fall or
spring will induce flowering in
season. A
Wireless Min/Max
Thermometer can
help you keep track of
changes in
temperature.
Make sure that there is
always adequate ventilation and
air circulation, particularly
in the winter, or during very
humid conditions, in order to
avoid fungal and bacterial
disease. However, do not
subject plants to blasts of
cold or hot air. An oscillating
fan that moves air constantly
at low speed is extremely
beneficial.
If your orchid does
not bloom see our guide
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