Phalaenopsis Orchid Care Guide

How to Grow Phalaenopsis Orchids | Post-Bloom Care and Tips for Reblooming

Phalaenopsis orchids are popular ornamental orchids in Japan, commonly given as opening celebration gifts and presents. Many people wonder, "I received a phalaenopsis orchid, but now that the flowers have faded, what should I do?" This article provides detailed guidance on post-bloom care and methods for achieving reblooming.

Basic Information About Phalaenopsis Orchids

• Native Region: Southeast Asia (Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, etc.)
• Scientific Name: Phalaenopsis spp.
• Lifespan: Several years to over a decade with proper care
• Blooming Period: Typically February to March (adjustable through management)
• Characteristics: As an epiphytic plant (growing naturally on trees), roots prefer air over soil

Post-Bloom Care

How to Cut Flower Stems

Once all flowers have faded, cut the flower stem (the stem that bore the flowers). There are two cutting options:

1. Cut at the Base: Allows the plant to rest and recover its strength (recommended)
2. Cut Above a Node: Encourages new flower stems to develop from side buds (requires more plant energy)

For beginners, cutting at the base is the safest approach. If the plant is healthy and established, normal reblooming can be expected the following year.

Post-Cut Care

Use clean scissors and apply a fungicide (cinnamon powder works well) to the cut surface.

Daily Care Tips

Watering

Since phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic, roots need time to dry between waterings.

Basic Watering Cycle:

• Summer (growing season): 1-2 times per week
• Winter (dormant season): Approximately once every 2 weeks to once a month

Water from above (or use the semi-immersion method), watering generously until water drains from the bottom. Always empty any water that collects in the saucer.

Growing in a clear plastic pot allows you to monitor root condition (green = healthy, white = dry).

Temperature

Ideal Temperature: 15-28°C

Minimum Temperature: 10°C — growth stops below this

Light

Direct sunlight is prohibited (causes leaf burn). Bright indirect light or east/north-facing windows are ideal. "Bright shade" is the key principle.

Fertilizing

Apply liquid fertilizer (such as diluted Hyponex at 2000x strength) 2-3 times per month during the growing season (April-September). Do not fertilize in winter.

When and How to Repot

Signs That Repotting Is Needed

• Roots protruding from the pot
• Roots have turned brown or black and are rotting
• Potting medium (bark) has deteriorated and become crumbly
• It has been 2 years or more since the last repotting

Best Time to Repot

Spring after blooming ends (April-June) is ideal.

Repotting Steps

1. Carefully remove the plant from the pot without damaging the roots
2. Remove any rotted roots with clean scissors
3. Plant in a pot (or basket) one size larger, using fresh orchid bark (medium to large grade)
4. Adjust the depth so roots are properly accommodated and secure the plant firmly in place

Care for Achieving Reblooming

Temperature variation is the trigger for phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom.

How to Achieve This

In late summer (September-October), move the plant to a cool location where nighttime temperatures drop to 15-18°C, such as near a window or on a balcony. Maintaining this temperature differential for 2-4 weeks triggers flower bud formation.

Once flower buds appear, return the plant to a warm location indoors and resume normal care. Blooms will emerge 2-4 months later.

Important Notes

• Temperatures below 10°C will damage the plant, not just prevent flowering
• Keep roots on the drier side while providing the temperature differential

Common Problems

Root Rot

Cause: Overwatering or leaving water sitting in the saucer

Solution: Remove rotted roots and switch to drier watering practices

No Flowers

Cause: Insufficient temperature variation, insufficient light, or overfertilizing

Solution: Apply the temperature differential treatment in autumn

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Direct sunlight, root problems, or insufficient fertilizer

Solution: Reconsider placement and check root condition

Summary

With proper care, phalaenopsis orchids are wonderful plants that can be enjoyed for years. By following the guidelines for post-bloom care, proper watering cycles, and autumn temperature variation, you can achieve beautiful flowers year after year.