Orchid Care: How to Keep Phalaenopsis Blooming
Orchids have a reputation for being difficult. They're not — they're just different. This guide covers everything for Phalaenopsis, the most common indoor orchid.
Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) are the most commonly sold orchids. They can bloom for months and, with the right care, rebloom year after year.
Light
Bright indirect light — an east or west-facing windowsill is ideal. Avoid direct midday sun. A sign of too much sun: leaves turn yellowish-green. Too little: dark green, no blooms.
Watering
The most common orchid killer is overwatering. Water once every 7–14 days — stick your finger 2 cm into the bark. If it's still moist, wait. When you water, do it thoroughly, letting water flow through the clear pot, then drain completely.
Ice cube method: One or two ice cubes per week is a popular shortcut that works reasonably well for beginners.
Potting Medium
Orchids don't grow in soil — they grow in bark. Use orchid-specific bark mix. Repot every 1–2 years or when the bark has broken down and no longer drains well.
Getting Orchids to Rebloom
After the last flower drops, cut the spike just above a node (a small bump on the stem). Keep the plant in a cooler spot (15–18°C) at night for 4–6 weeks — this temperature drop triggers new spike production.
Aerial Roots
Aerial roots growing outside the pot are normal and healthy. Don't cut them off or force them back in.
Feeding
Use specialist orchid fertilizer (high potassium) at half strength, every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.
