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In our previous post, we provided you with some important information to remember as you’re starting to care for your Phalaenopsis orchid. Here, we continue in our discussion and offer some additional tips.
Orchids have the amazing ability to store water and nutrients in their leaves and stems. Despite their natural storage system though, orchids respond the best when placed in a room with the right humidity level and when they receive water regularly. With a Just Add Ice Orchid, you only need to give your orchid three ice cubes once a week. Simply place the cubes in the soil of the orchid, avoiding the crown. To make remembering when to water even easier, we offer convenient weekly email reminders and colorful desktop watering calendars to those who sign up. Or, you can just text ORCHID to 44040 to receive SMS reminders! Watering is one of the most important aspects to keep your orchid plant flourishing and in bloom for months. The lack of sufficient water will cause the flowers to drop, stems to dry out, and the eventual stress on the plant can cause eventual death to the orchid.
Much as we would like them to, Phalaenopsis orchids do not bloom continuously. As the flowers begin to fade and fall from the plant, it does not mean that the plant is dying. Each orchid will go into a period of rest when it will build up its roots and gather its strength for the next flowering session. Some orchids will bloom once a year and some will bloom twice a year. The blooms on a Phalaenopsis orchid will often last for months, depending on different factors of its care.
Just like with children and adults, Phalaenopsis orchids will benefit when good nutrition is given to them. However, problems can occur when too much nutrition, or fertilizer, is given to the plant. Fertilizer does promote the healthy growth, but be wary of over fertilizing and causing damage to your beautiful orchid. Choose a complete, balanced orchid or all-purpose flower fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (look for 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 on the label), plus micro-nutrients. To fertilize your Phalaenopsis orchid, mix the recommended amount of fertilizer at half strength. To ensure the drainage holes are unobstructed, place your orchid in the sink and pour fertilizer into the pot until liquid runs out the bottom. Allow to drain before returning your orchid to its decorative container. Do not water your orchid with ice on the weeks you fertilize it.
Just Add Ice Orchids can help new and seasoned orchid growers achieve the best results with each of the orchids that they own. If you have additional questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions section.
