Orchid Care Tips Blog

Growing great Phalaenopsis Orchid plants can be made easy with these useful tips. Phalaenopsis Orchids are normally found in rainforests, on trees and on rocks. They do not grow at the very top of the rainforest canopy. This means they are not used to direct sun on their leaves. They are used to shady conditions.

At home, a Phalaenopsis Orchid needs to go behind a curtain or on a table not near a bright window. They like to have moisture around the leaves with a humidity tray. Here is an example of a humidity tray. This creates an environment like in a rainforest. Phalaenopsis Orchids should be watered only as the pot gets lighter in weight upon being lifted. They like to be potted in medium bark. Phalaenopsis Orchids should be fertilized with a weak solution of fertilizer every couple weeks. Here is an example of a good fertilizer.

This Phalaenopsis collection is a good one to start with, as not only does it have a variety of standard and novelty Phalaenopsis plants, but they are blooming size and at a good price. If you have any questions, just post comments to this blog entry.

People often ask me how I choose Orchids in the San Francisco Bay Area. Choosing Orchids here is just like buying them anywhere else. If going to a large store, it is important the Orchids have not been mistreated. I find the best way to find Orchids that are in good shape is to go to either local smaller nurseries or Orchid Shows. These two places usually have Orchids that have had the most care. If you go somewhere where Orchids got too hot, cold, dry, or wet for too long, the Orchid may not show issues right away. It may take days or weeks for the full effect of damage to appear on the Orchid. That is why it is very important to get Orchids from a quality location where they have been cared for carefully. If you have other questions, let me know here.