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| Displaying orchid care 3-4 of 5 |
| Orchid Genera: |
Phalaenopsis |
| Level of Expertise: |
Beginner |
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Commonly called the Moth Orchid, phalaenopsis is most commonly hybridized with Doritis. This group flowers in the spring and will provide you with blooms for three to six months! Currently this is the most popular group of orchids for beginners because everyone can grow and bloom these orchids. Drawing by Marian Sheehan, courtesy of AOS.
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| Prounounce |
fal-en-OPP-siss |
| Light |
Provide somewhat less light for phalaenopsis than for cattleyas and dendrobiums. A bright south or east window is always good. A shady, screened patio is also nice. |
| Temperature |
Nights above 55 degrees F. Day temperatures below 90 degrees F. |
| Water |
Water thoroughly, but do not allow to become completely dry between waterings. By picking up the pot you can tell by the weight whether the plant needs water. |
| Fertilizer |
We use Nutricote (sold as Dynamite) 13-13-13 with minors on all of our orchids when we repot. This is a 6 month timed release fertilizer and we use one teaspoon per 6 inch pot (amt. adjusted for pot size). We supplement with 20-20-20 during warmer months |
| Potting |
Phalaenopsis love to be repotted. We try to repot our phals every year. It is best not to repot during intense heat. |
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| Orchid Genera: |
Oncidium |
| Level of Expertise: |
Beginner |
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This group includes both thin-leaved oncidiums, the tiny equitant oncidiums, and the butterfly types. Brassias, commonly called spider orchids, are also included. We grow equitants and the butterfly types like phalaenopsis, except in clay pots. We have enjoyed better growth and vigor from these types by using the DynaGro product named Pro-Tek about 3 or 4 times per year. Following is the care for thin-leaved oncidiums and brassias. Drawing by Marian Sheehan, courtesy of AOS.
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| Prounounce |
on-SID-ee-um |
| Light |
Bright, filtered sunlight similar to the light required for cattleyas. |
| Temperature |
Nights above 50 degrees F. Day temperatures below 90 to 95 degrees F. Remember to increase water, fertilizer, and air circulation during high temperatures. You may also have to increase shading during the summer months. |
| Water |
Water thoroughly and allow to dry between waterings. |
| Fertilizer |
As far as water and fertilizer go, we treat all of our orchids the same. Fertilize during the warmer months with 20-20-20. During cooler months switch to a high bloom fertilizer, similar to 10-30-20. The key is to fertilize on a regular basis. |
| Potting |
Allow to become crowded, similar to cattleyas. |
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