Most orchids available at grocery stores or nurseries are likely moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.). These plants demand minimal care and produce an abundance of beautiful flowers, making them an ideal choice for novice collectors.
The Garden’s horticulture department compiled a few essential tips to help you successfully grow moth orchids.
- After acquiring your orchid, it is important to repot it immediately once it has finished flowering. Typically, orchids purchased at nurseries or grocery stores are grown in Sphagnum moss, which tends to retain excessive moisture for the plant.
- Carefully take the orchid out of the pot and detach the Sphagnum moss from its roots. If the roots appear brown or black and feel mushy, it’s best to remove them.
- Next, soak the plant roots in a mixture of water and a bactericide solution. Allow the roots to soak for 10 minutes.
- You can either reuse the original pot of the orchid or choose a different one, but ensure that it has plenty of drainage holes.
- The potting medium needs to be porous; you can opt for either a coarse bark specifically formulated for orchids or a product known as Aliflor or Leca, which is an expanded clay material. This type of medium is commonly utilized to prevent excessive watering.
- Carefully position the plant roots in the pot, then fill it with the soil medium. Utilize a chopstick to press the potting medium down, ensuring it makes good contact with the roots.
- After potting your orchid, it’s best to position it near an east-facing window for optimal growth; shaded south or west windows are also suitable. Additionally, orchids can thrive under artificial lighting—just ensure that the light bulb or LED provides more than 10,000 lumens to promote flowering.
- Since Phalaenopsis lacks water storage organs apart from their leaves, it’s essential that they never fully dry out. Be sure to water plants thoroughly, and only water again when the potting media is nearly dry. Ensure that water drains away from the pot.
- When your orchid is in bloom, it’s essential to maintain moist soil media, as this will help extend the duration of its flowering.
- And lastly, remember to fertilize your plants. For bark-based and clay media, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, twice a month. To encourage flowering, opt for a high phosphorus fertilizer like 10-30-20. Always adhere to the instructions provided on the fertilizer packaging.
And don’t forget to check out the Garden’s Spring Plant Sale on March 14-16, which will have a desert orchid (Eulophia petersii) available for purchase. This succulent orchid hails from Africa and thrives when grown outdoors in a shaded patio setting. Make your reservation for the plant sale today.
