The Care of White Orchids

Place orchids in an east- or north-facing window where they will receive moderate indirect sunlight. Shade them with a sheer curtain if the sun beats down on them. While most orchids need protection from sunburn, phalaenopsis orchids are among the most low light orchids available.

Maintain daytime temperatures of at least 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit when possible. Phalaenopsis orchids like exceptionally warm conditions. Let the temperature drop 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit at night. This mimics mild outdoor temperature fluctuations, which help orchids flower.

Keep the humidity level between 60 and 70 percent, as the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service recommends. Turn on a humidifier, place orchids in a bathroom window or set them on a tray filled with wet gravel to increase humidity.

Water your white phalaenopsis orchids when the soil is nearly dry. Let the water drain out the bottom. Don't let the soil dry out completely, as phalaenopsis orchids don't have water storage capabilities like other orchids, according to horticulture specialists Nancy Doubrava and Bob Polomski.

Apply fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium--such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12--every week during the growing season. Dilute it to one-quarter strength, as orchids prefer weak fertilizer.