Worldwide Orchids :
Worldwide Orchids :
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Phalaenopsis have no water storage capabilities because, unlike Cattleyas, for example, they have no pseudobulbs. Therefore, these plants should be rewatered before the media completely dries out. Ideally, they should be kept slightly moist without staying totally saturated. A good way to judge when it is time to rewater is when the top one to two inches of potting mix feel dry to the touch. Another test is to note the weight of the plant after watering and again before rewatering. The plant and pot will weigh less as the media dries out. Run water through from the top, allowing enough to flow so as to flush out undissolved minerals from the potting mix. Water should form a pool at the top of the plant. Let the plant drip dry through drain holes in the bottom of the pot. Then, place on a saucer if needed. Remember to thoroughly wet the media when watering-you cannot hurt the plant by allowing too much water to enter and drain through the potting mix. A good fertilizer strategy would be to apply every other watering. In other words, set up a schedule of plain water, then water mixed with fertilizer, then back to plain water and so on. Water needs will vary depending on temperature, the amount of light and humidity, and the type of media used. Be aware that over watering is the most common reason orchid plants are lost. To avoid over watering, remember to allow time for the top layer of media to dry between waterings. Its best to water in the morning so that the leaves will be dry before nightfall. This will cut down on incidences of disease and rot.
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Grower Ron and Grower Ron's Orchid Growing Kit are trademarks of Worldwide Orchids, Inc. All other products mentioned are registered
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