🌿 Plant Information

• Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis spp.
• Common Name: Moth Orchid
• Family: Orchidaceae
• Origin: Southeast Asia, Philippines, and Australia
• Type: Epiphytic orchid (grows on trees in nature)
• Lifespan: Perennial (blooms year after year with proper care)

☀️ Light Requirements

• Ideal Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
• Avoid harsh direct rays — they can scorch the leaves.
• East or north-facing windows are ideal.
• If leaves turn yellowish, the plant is getting too much light.
• If leaves are dark green and floppy, it needs more light.

💧 Watering

• Water once every 7–10 days, depending on humidity and potting medium.
• Let the potting mix dry slightly between waterings.
• Never let the roots sit in water — it causes root rot.
• Use rainwater or filtered water (avoid hard tap water).
• In humid climates, reduce watering frequency.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 18–30°C (65–85°F).
• Avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.
• Humidity: 50–70% preferred.
• Mist lightly in the morning or use a humidity tray if air is dry.

🌱 Soil & Potting

• Use well-draining orchid bark mix (bark, perlite, charcoal).
• Never use regular soil — it suffocates the roots.
• Repot every 1–2 years or when the bark breaks down.

🌸 Fertilizing

• Feed every 2 weeks during active growth (spring–summer).
• Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20 or 30-10-10).
• In fall–winter, feed monthly or pause if growth slows.
• Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid root burn.

✂️ Pruning & Blooming

• After blooms fade, cut the flower spike just above a node to encourage reblooming.
• Orchids often rebloom once or twice a year.
• Healthy leaves = good bloom potential.

⚠️ Common Problems