Orchid discussion with Corky. Let us know if you'd like to see a more detailed demonstration on repotting an orchid. Here are the basic care details:
LIGHT
Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Aim for about 10 hours of indirect sunlight per day or place them near a west, east, or south-facing window. If the window receives intense direct sunlight, use a sheer curtain to filter the light and prevent sunburn.
WATERING
Watering phalaenopsis orchids potted in bark is straightforward. Once a week, soak the pot for a few minutes in the sink or its outer pot. Allow excess water to drain off before returning it to its designated spot. To determine when to water, take a look at the roots. If all of the roots are silver, it’s time to water. If the roots are bright green, they don’t need water and you can check back in a few days. Avoid allowing water to accumulate in the crown of the plant, as this can lead to rot.
FERTILIZING
To promote leaf growth and reblooming, fertilize your orchid occasionally with diluted fertilizer. If using general-purpose houseplant fertilizer, dilute it to 1/4th of the normal strength. Follow the instructions on specialty orchid fertilizer bottles for proper application. It’s better to err on the side of under fertilizing then over fertilizing.
REPOTTING
If your orchid appears healthy, there's no immediate need for repotting. Enjoy the blooms and monitor the roots. Repot when the roots outgrow the pot or the potting medium decomposes. For orchids potted in bark initially, you can leave them until the roots require more space. If your orchid is planted in sphagnum moss, consider transferring it to bark after flowering. Sphagnum moss is great for holding moisture, but it can become compacted over time and hinder airflow to roots.
AFTER BLOOMS
Once the blooms fade, trim the flower spike just above the first node. It’s best to sterilize your scissors with isopropyl alcohol, or heat, before making the cut to avoid pathogens being transferred to the plant. It may take several months for a new spike to emerge. If it seems excessively delayed, consider adjusting the light exposure to ensure optimal growth conditions.
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