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5 Uncommon Phalaenopsis Orchid Care Tips

January 23, 2018

By now, you’re well aware of the simplicity of Phalaenopsis orchid care — and it’s true! These beautiful plants couldn’t be easier to care for. For most weeks of the year, all you’ll need to do for your plant is provide three ice cubes worth of water and ensure the temperature and indirect light in your home remains stable. That’s it! However, while the basic care of your orchid couldn’t be easier, there are some lesser-known care tips that can help your plant truly thrive. If you’re ready to take your orchid care game to the next level, this post is for you.

Here are five uncommon Phalaenopsis orchid care tips you should know.

Tip 1: It’s Best to Water Your Orchid in the Morning

While there’s nothing wrong with watering your orchid at any time of the day, watering in the morning can help prevent crown rot. This happens when water gets on the top leaves of your plant and isn’t able to fully evaporate in enough time. However, another way to fully prevent this problem is to stick to the ice cube method. That way, all the water your orchid needs will melt fully into the potting mixture.

Tip 2: Remove Dead Flowers as soon as Possible

When the blooms on your orchid die, you can remove them before they fall off to help your plant recover. If they do fall off, clear them from the soil to avoid unnecessary clutter on the base of your plant. Remember: after a resting period, your orchid will bloom again!

Tip 3: Cut Back Nodes After Flowers Fall

Once your orchid is done blooming, cutting back the nodes can help encourage healthier and sooner reblooming. Examine your orchid stem and find the node under the lowest flower bloom. Use sterilized pruning tools to trim one inch above that node. Follow these step-by-step guidelines for more detailed instructions.

Tip 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon on the Roots When You Repot

Cinnamon has significant health benefits for humans, but it can also be quite healthy for your orchid as well! By sprinkling a small amount of cinnamon on the roots of your orchid during the repotting phase, you can help prevent future diseases from harming your plant. Cinnamon can even help treat some fungal diseases after your plant has already been infected.

Tip #5: Avoid Repositioning Your Plant Once Buds Form

The buds of your orchid are drawn to the light, so once they’ve formed, moving your orchid more than just slightly could result in twisted buds that open at strange angles. Instead, do your best to maintain the angle of your plant so that the blooms will open in the most direct way, making your arrangement more pleasing to the eye.

With these five uncommon Phalaenopsis orchid care tips, you can still enjoy the simple, low maintenance care you’re used to, while giving your plant the opportunity to thrive even more.

For more helpful tips, download our free Phalaenopsis orchid care guide.

Complete Care Guide