Q&A for How to Care for Phalenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids)

For an orchid, you're going to need to take care to see what type of soil substrate it needs. Orchids aren't typically grown in actual soil. They're going to be grown in Spagna moss, or a mix of bark. They can be potted in orchid bark as well. You're going to want a pot that has lots of aeration. Orchids are epiphytic, so their roots need a lot of aeration and drainage. You're never going to want to pot an orchid into a pot that is much bigger than its existing grow pot. They like to stay very compact in the soil since their structure is really held together by the roots. I would suggest choosing a pot that's only 1-2 inches wider in diameter.

In general, you should repot your orchid once a year. You might need to repot it sooner if the roots have completely overgrown the pot it is in or if it starts to lose some lower leaves.

Transparent pots are best for phals so you can see if there's a need for water by actually seeing the roots.

At a certain time, it's normal for phalenopsis orchids to lose their leaves as they produce new leaves. It is sometimes caused due to overwatering as well.

If the roots are healthy, it could recover, but it may take a while.

If you mean the roots are turning silver, it means they are healthy but can use a watering. If you mean the leaves, it could mean there are spider mites or a fungal disease.

The flower stalks are thinner and grow upward, whereas the roots are fatter and grow sideways/down.

No, just use cold or room temperature water.

Unless you live in their native Southeast Asia, the answer is no.

The flower stem can die down after blooming. Cut the dead part to above a live node, just in case the stem still has some life left. If not, let it die right to the bottom and cut out the dead stem. If it is a healthy plant, a new stem will arrive, but you may have to have a little patience.

Your orchid will not die, and can flower many times. Cut the stem back to just above a node, and a new stem will be produced with flowers.

Phal orchids never rest and need to be fed more than other types that do rest. Put a diluted amount of fertilizer in the water a couple of times a month. Do not put ice on your plant -- instead use tepid water and allow it to drain well.

When you see a third leaf starting to grow, cut the spike 2-3 in below the baby orchid. Please pot it in the same pot as the orchid that produced this baby orchid, because the "mom" can help the orchid grow and regulate the temperature and humidity.

Yes, so don't let your cat eat them. This type of orchid can harm cats, dogs and other pets.

The best time to repot them is after all the flowers have fallen off. If you try while it is in bloom, it will stress the flower and the blooms could fall off too early.

Yes, but plants with blooms need more water, so you can get away with watering less than usual.

Leave them alone. They are backup roots in case the main roots die off or get infected. Cutting them off is not an option; it would rot the root, causing it to spread to the stem and then to the other parts of the plant, ultimately killing it.

Wait till the roots on this new plant are about two inches long, then cut it off with sterile scissors and re-pot it.

Nothing. Aerial roots are very important to ths plant. They are sort of a backup if the main roots die or if you forget to water. The orchid won't take well to you chopping off perfectly good roots.

It could be sun scar or something bruising the blooms. Be sure not to spray water on the blooms.

This could be from sun scarring or stress before you bought the orchid. Refer to the article for tips.

You can repot and fertilize the orchid and it will bloom within a year. If the spike is still green, you can cut it at a node.

As long as they don't get any direct sunlight, they can be outside in a warm, sheltered spot.

This is simply the plant reproducing. When the new plant is well grown, cut it off and pot it as normal (or throw it out).

That is called "bud blast." If the temperature change is too big for the orchid, the buds will die. Phals are very prone to this. Do not let your phal get too hot or too cold.

The plant might be infested with brown scale, which is a nectar-producing insect pest. If you have noticed a lot of ants in and around your orchid pot, this is a sure sign, since ants have a symbiotic relationship with brown scale. Ants "propagate" scale in order to feed off the nectar produced by the scale. Inspect the underside of the leaves for brown scale. If present, remove by hand or rub the scale with a Q-tip dipped in methylated spirit. Follow this by wiping the leaf down with a dilute solution of dishwashing liquid and rinse off with clean water.

I guess so, but keep in mind - some orchids should not ever be cut. If your orchid spike is straight (angled but mostly straight), then you can cut it back, but if your orchid is zig-zagged, do not cut it. These orchids need not be cut down since they will rebloom where they once bloomed before.

It is probably not a sponge, but some rock wool. The very best is to gently pry this from between the roots and discarding the rock wool. Check the root system and cut away any brown rotting roots. Healthy roots will be fleshy and firm. Repot your plant in a bark mixture. Ask at your local nursery for orchid potting mixture. You will want to get rid of the rock wool, as this keeps too much moisture and the roots will rot, causing your plant to die.

All year, 2 or 3 times a month. These plants never rest! They need food constantly to continue both foliage and flower growth.

It is a wonderful kiki. You can give it a little little soil, and wrap till it has enough roots. You can then plant it in a new, very small pot. If the new pot is too big, it will get busy making roots and not any new leaves for a while.