Phalaenopsis Orchid - Mini (Double Spike)

 GENERAL INFORMATION

• Phalaenopsis which is called the beginner's orchid is known for its ability to withstand different conditions due to its toughness.
• It is a popular type of orchid flower in Singapore that is easy to care for.
• Suitable for flower delivery in Singapore for any occasion.
• So if you are planning to have a houseplant that will not give you stress then you can consider taking care of Phalaenopsis.
• They are easily grown in the home and stay in bloom for a very long time.
• A mature one will be in bloom much of the year with graceful inflorescences loaded with good-sized blooms.
• From pure whites to unusual spotted harlequins, Phalaenopsis are sure to please.
• Unlike many other orchids, Phalaenopsis can be repotted anytime, though it is usually best to do so when not in bloom.
• They do very well as houseplants and will grow and flower in a moderately bright windowsill.
• Each year a Phalaenopsis will grow one or two new leaves.
• Once the growth phase is complete, usually in the fall, a bloom spike will emerge from the stem beneath the second or third leaf from the top.

 SOIL REQUIREMENT

• Instead of regular soil, they need potting material that mimics a host tree or comes from a tree, such as ground fir tree bark, redwood bark chips, or Monterey pine bark chips.
• Most bark potting media will work.
• Also, make sure there is some perlite, sphagnum moss, charcoal, or coconut husk chips mixed in to help with water retention.
• You can also buy a commercial potting mix that is made special for orchids.
• No matter the potting media you use, make sure there is plenty of air circulation for the rooting system.
• They are accustomed to breezes and wind and don't do well without it.

 FEEDING/FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT

• During the growing season, fertilize with a weak orchid fertilizer weekly.
• Cut fertilizer back to once a month during the winter and flowering season.
• Some growers like to give the plant a boost of blooming fertilizer in September or October to provoke a flower spike.

 LIGHT REQUIREMENT

• Good light is required for phalaenopsis but they can experience absolutely no direct sunlight, or the leaves will scorch.
• Rotate the plant from time to time to keep growth equal.
• It can tolerate low light and will thrive in an east window, or a shaded southerly or westerly exposure.
• Also, they will do well under common grow lights positioned about a foot from the plant.
• A well-grown plant will have darker green leaves on top and streaks of red or burgundy on the undersides.

 WATER REQUIREMENT

• Phalaenopsis is a monopodial orchid, which means that it grows from a single stem.
• It does not have the large water-storing pseudobulbs found on sympodial orchids, although its leaves can store some water.
• Thus, this plant has a lower tolerance for drought.
• During the growing season, water the plant weekly or whenever its exposed roots turn silvery white.
• Water them in the morning and try to keep the potting media slightly damp.
• During the flowering season, you can cut the water back to every other week.
• Water should never be allowed to rest around the stem of the plant.
• This will cause the new leaves to rot, and the plant will die.