Care for a Phalaenopsis Amabilis

Phalaenopsis amabilis is a type of moth orchid known as the moon orchid due to its white blooms. This orchid is native to the Old World tropics, from Australia to Indonesia and the surrounding islands. Like other moth orchids, the Phalaenopsis amabilis is epiphytic, meaning it grows with air roots hanging onto trees instead of in soil. Phalaenopsis amabilis orchids have blooms that last for several months in the proper conditions.

Humidifier
Shallow tray
Pebbles
20-20-20 fertilizer
Orchid potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  Place the Phalaenopsis amabilis in a bright window with no direct sunlight.
- 2
  Put the orchid in a room with a steady temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in daytime and 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. After flowering stops, give the Phalaenopsis amabilis two months of night temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit to induce buds.
- 3
  Keep the humidity in the room at 50 to 80 percent with a humidifier. Or you can fill a tray full of pebbles and water and place the orchid on it, although be sure the water is below the bottom of the pot.
- 4
  Water the Phalaenopsis amabilis about once a week or when the growing medium is nearly dry, but not totally dry. Fill the pot with water until it leaks out of the bottom.
- 5
  Fertilize the Phalaenopsis amabilis with 1 tbsp. of a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer once a month while new growth is forming.

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