Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids In Australia: A Guide?

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are saprophytic and epiphytic plants that grow on trees and rocks. They can grow up to 30cm tall and have broad, mid-green, leathery/fleshy foliage. They thrive in sub-tropical to tropical climates and indoor plants in temperate and colder areas.

To keep indoor phalaenopsis orchids thriving, provide them with a warm, humid climate, especially during southern winters. Avoid placing pots near heating or air-conditioning outlets, as hot, dry air or draughts can damage the plant. The bathroom is not the ideal location for a moth orchid due to its cold and muted light.

The key to success with phalaenopsis orchids is to provide them with a brightly lit warm spot out of direct sunlight, with indirect sunlight being the most advantageous. Choose a warm and humid room with filtered light, such as a bathroom, and ensure orchids flower again by picking the flowers off the stem as they wilt.

Phalaenopsis orchids are ideally grown within the temperature range of 18-28°C, but they can be grown and flowered indoors on a window sill. Use an orchid potting mix and only go up one pot size. Carefully tip out the orchid, trimming off dead or damaged roots, and pile a cone of light.

Orchids are phototropic, so placing an artificial light source directly above the orchid will encourage it to grow.

How do you take care of a Phalaenopsis orchid for beginners?

Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, are easy-to-grow indoor plants with exotic, long-lasting flowers. They require minimal maintenance, such as keeping them warm, in good light, watering regularly, and re-potting every couple of years. To grow them, keep them in centrally heated rooms, prefer bright light but not direct summer sun, and keep them above 16°C (60˚F). It is recommended to read the instruction labels on your plants for proper care and care.

What triggers Phalaenopsis to bloom?

Orchids thrive best when there is a marked drop in temperature at night, usually about 10 to 15 degrees F. Phalaenopsis are more forgiving in this respect, but a reluctant plant can usually be coaxed into bloom more easily if it’s grown where nights are cool. To ensure the best growth of orchids, provide cool nights, never let them dry out, and use a weak fertilizer every time you water.

Tips from the American Orchid Society include growing both phalaenopsis and dendrobiums inside, in orchid bark mix, never let them dry out, and using a weak fertilizer. Be patient with the blooms, as they may not bloom all the time, but when they do, it’s like someone just gave birth.

To grow phalaenopsis, join the American Orchid Society and get all the information and support you need to grow every orchid imaginable. Use a mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and a touch of potting soil, and water when dry.

Other tips include rescuing a phalaenopsis from a grocery store, repotted it in a larger container with good-quality bark, and watering it once or twice a week with a very weak orchid fertilizer solution. For a sturdiest, healthiest houseplant, put the pot in an old fish bowl with stones in the bottom and ensure that the pot stays where it is placed.

In summary, orchids thrive best when there is a marked drop in temperature at night, usually about 10 to 15 degrees F. Provide cool nights, use a weak fertilizer, and be patient with the blooms.

What is the best position for orchids in Australia?

Zygopetalum species and hybrids are capable of tolerating cool winter temperatures, but they prefer conditions with a minimum temperature above 12°C. These plants flourish when cultivated in deep pots containing a coarse, free-draining potting mixture and when situated in a bright, well-ventilated environment. These plants require regular irrigation and fertilization, with increased watering and feeding during the growing season. These plants prefer moist conditions throughout the year, and propagation is achieved through division.

How do you care for a Phalaenopsis orchid after flowering Australia?

To revive phalaenopsis orchids, remove the stems as they wilt and dry, leaving a bare stem. Cut the stem to just above the third node and continue watering, fertilizing, and caring for the plant. The plant will return with beautiful blooms within a year. If you have any questions about caring for your orchids, contact the store. If you want to order a phalaenopsis orchid plant, visit the online flower store.

How do I get my Phalaenopsis orchid to bloom again?

To make your Phalaenopsis orchid rebloom, start fertilizing it every other week with an all-balanced fertilizer, either labeled as “bloom booster” or specifically designed for orchids. Increase light, find a new spot, and provide extra love during dormancy. Dormancy allows the orchid to replace nutrients used during blooming, and nutrients and water remain stored in the leaves until needed again. Dormancy can last anywhere from 6-9 months, and each orchid may bloom on its own, so it’s important to provide extra care and support to help it rebloom. Remember, every orchid is unique, so it may need to bloom on its own.

How do you keep Phalaenopsis orchids alive indoors?

In approximately six months, a flower spike should emerge from beneath one of the leaves, thereby allowing the observer to discern the orchids.

How do I encourage my Phalaenopsis to grow roots?

Once the dead roots have been removed and the orchid has been disinfected, it should be repotted using orchid potting mix, taking care to remove the old medium.

Can you bring a Phalaenopsis orchid back to life?

To revive an underwatered orchid, give it a thorough soak before repotting and adjusting to a new watering schedule. Orchids are typically cycled between wet and dry to mimic their natural environment. After removing the orchid from its pot, rinse and check its roots, removing any damaged ones. Fill a pot with room-temperature distilled or filtered water and set the clean roots in it. Ensure the crown is above the water line and use clips and ties to hold the plant in place.

Alternate soaking during the day and letting the roots dry overnight for several days, using fresh water daily. If any mushiness or rotting in the roots is noticed, extend the drying periods. If the orchid is revivable, it should show signs of coming back to life, such as plumper leaves, perkier leaves, new root growth, and leaf growth.

How often do you water orchids in Australia?

Watering plants only when they need it is crucial for their growth and transpiration. In shade-house conditions, it is almost impossible to over-water in summer and underwater in winter, as long as the plants have adequate drainage. During hot summer months, most growers need to water up twice a day, while in winter, once a week or even once a fortnight may be sufficient. However, the more watering is required in temperate regions due to lower humidity and the need for more moisture-retaining material.

In autumn, as days shorten and nights grow longer, most plants move slowly into dormancy. Decreasing the frequency depends on factors such as the potting medium, container size, and the plant’s position in the shade-house relative to sunlight and air movement. Experienced growers can tell if a shade-house has sufficient humidity by their nose, which can be a “bufferant atmosphere”. It is essential to be attentive when visiting other growers’ shade-houses and take note of the smell and feel of the atmosphere within the house.

No two shade-houses are identical, and what works for one grower may not necessarily work for another. Different combinations of temperature, light, and humidity produce a wide range of differing requirements. Don’t follow advice slavishly and don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep your Orchids with an even pot weight, not too heavy or too light, and be cautious about adding water when needed.

What to do when Phalaenopsis blooms fall off?

It is a characteristic of orchids that they will bloom again from the same stock. However, in order to ensure optimal growth and development, it is essential to trim the stock at the base of the flower, thereby maintaining a level height with the surrounding soil.