Growing for only about 2 years, I second guess myself. A LOT! I have friends on Facebook who LOVE my orchid photos and actually, I've been really successful blooming several genera, Phals being one. So, I'd LOVE for them to go to a big box and pick up a nice NoID phal and . . . REBLOOM IT! I posted the following instructions for absolute beginners. Do you think they are accurate? Again, I second guess myself, so just thought I'd throw it out to you guys . . .
I want ALL my friends to know the joy of blooming orchids! Here are 3 easy steps to re-bloom Phalaenopsis orchids you buy in stores. The only one that takes a little time is the 1st, but it is not complicated. Just a little time-consuming. Once you get the light right, the rest is cake.
- Place in a BRIGHT window. Even full sun is OK, if acclimated to that over a couple of weeks, ie, a bit closer to the light source every day. With orchids (actually, most plants), the trick to blooming it is to get the plant to the upper edge of light tolerance, just below sunburn. A Phalaenopsis leaf will generally turn a bit purplish in a lot of light. That’s GOOD. If a leaf begins to brown in spots, pull it back from the light source a bit. Keep up this trial and error over a month or two and you will soon find its upper tolerance – the sweet spot.
- Water only when medium is ALMOST dry. Don’t be afraid – stick your finger in the pot. When watering, drench it for about 10 or 15 seconds. Remember – almost dry. Even dry a couple days is OK. Do not overwater.
- Get an orchid fertilizer at any store that sells orchids and feed it weekly at HALF the strength recommended on the box.
That’s it. Seriously! If you do this, you WILL have blooms at least once a year. I promise. Disclaimer: This advice only applies to the Phalaenopsis orchids found in every big box – they are hybrids and very easy. Other genera and species differ.
Was this good Phal info for beginners?
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