Orchids:
Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis orchids aka moth orchid. Stunning show stopper. Great for arrangements and now a days a year round gift. These beautiful plants are available just about everywhere you shop and for good reason. Phalaenopsis orchids have one of the best flowering schedules 6- 10 weeks! Remember key thing with orchids is that they love visual attention, but dislike to be overwatered so sit back and enjoy them and let them dry down between waterings.
Light -
Indirect bright light - East-facing windows or shaded south- and west-facing ones, or a few feet back from a unshaded south- or west-facing window. Avoid any direct sunlight.
Low Light Tolerant - north/east-facing windows * when in full bloom
Phalaenopsis orchids can be put in lower light once its in full bloom. Having a indirect bright light for them to live when they finish flowering will allow you to keep your orchid for years to come.
Either closer to the window to absorb more indirect bright light but up to 6 ft away as long as you can still cast a shadow in the location will provide enough light. Keep an eye on how its being watered in these different locations.
Temperature & Humidity:
Tropical plants do best in a humid and slightly warm environment. They thrive best above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and they love a light misting of water.
Orchids love humidity and placing it next to a humidifier will provide all the humidity your orchid could ask for. Other methods also work such as humidity trays and misting your orchid every so often.
If your Phalaenopsis gets too cold, it may suffer from shock and may even die. Ensure that you are placing this plant away from any drafty windows or A/C vents that could blow cold air onto your plant.
Water:
Water well. Check every 10-14 days. Use room temperature water.
ensuring all excess water drains and plant is not sitting in any excess water. (Always recommend pots with drainage holes and saucers)
Phalaenopsis do not need to be watered frequent and it is a plant that can go slightly dry between waterings especially if your Phalaenopsis is hanging out in the lower light areas. I’ve had great success with neglecting my orchids (I learned the hard way).
Verify the soil type of your phalaenopsis - Sphagnum moss planted orchids retain more moisture so they can take the full 14 days to dry down. While on the other hand if its planted in a bark type soil you will notice you may need to check every 7-10 days. Best advice is just to let the plants dry down very well and let completely drain well.
Overwatering - can cause your plant to die, and wilted or soft leaves that have yellowed are often a sign of overwatering. It is preferable to keep your soil slightly moist, letting it dry out in between waterings and if in doubt let it dry out! Many different factors can change your watering schedule.
Sunlight and seasons affect how quickly a plant will drink water and you just adapt to those changes. That’s what makes it fun!