Tips for Specific Orchid Types

This section includes care instructions for Phalaenopsis orchids and other specific varieties with respect to sunlight needs, humidity and temperature, watering and fertilizing.

Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis need very bright but indirect light or 2 - 3 hours of morning sun (about the same amount of light needed to bloom an African violet). Don't allow phalaenopsis to dry out completely, but water thoroughly every 4 to 7 days if potted in a bark medium. Preferred humidity is 50% to 80%. Preferred temperatures are 70° to 95°F daytime and 62° to 70°F nights. A drop in night temperatures of 20° to 30° (but no lower than 45°F) will aid in bud formation.

Standard Cymbidium

Standard Cymbidium need 4 hours or more of direct sun a day. They should be kept evenly moist and fertilized regularly during the summer months. Winter, they should go fairly dry between waterings and the fertilizing can be cut back. 40% to 60% humidity is good, with supplemental misting on hot mornings. For bud formation, cymbidiums need a substantial drop in night temperature of 25° or more (down to the mid to upper thirties.) This is especially important during the fall. Winter day temperature of 70° to 80°F and night temperatures of 45° to 55° are ideal.

Dendrobium

Dendrobiums prefer the same sun and humidity as the cattleyas do. Water them every 6 to 9 days. Deciduous dendrobiums that drop all or part of their leaves in the fall and winter (such as noble dendrobiums) will need a much drier dormant rest period going two weeks or longer in the fall between waterings, only giving enough water to prevent severe dehydration. Day temperatures should be 65° to 95°F, with nights 10° to 20° cooler. Deciduous dendrobium will need cooler temperatures, particularly at night, during their rest periods (fall-early winter).

Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilums (lady slippers) do well with the same light and watering requirements as the phalaenopsis. The major difference lies in the temperature requirements. Paphs prefer day temperatures between 75° and 85°F. Green-leafed Paphs prefer night temperatures of 55° to 60°F; mottled-leafed Paphs prefer night temperatures of 63° to 70°F. Do not allow the potting medium to break down.

Miltonia/Miltoniopsis

Miltonias and Miltoniopsis also prefer the same light and watering as the phalaenopsis with humidity between 50% and 60%. They prefer temperatures not to exceed 80°F during the day with night 10° to 20° cooler. Do not allow these to dry out completely.

Cattleya

Cattleyas enjoy full sun in the morning and shade through the middle of the day until late afternoon. Light green leaves indicate sufficient sun. Dark green indicates not enough sun. The ideal day temperature is 75-85 deg. F. Night temperatures should be in the 60-65 deg. range. Let their potting medium become dry between waterings.

Oncidium

Oncidiums and the hybrids prefer the same sun as cattleyas, and to dry partially between waterings. Humidity levels of 50% to 60% are optimum, and they prefer essentially the same temperature as cattleyas.

Vanda/Ascocenda

Vandas and their hybrids do well with high light. Normally, vandas are not recommended for year round home culture due to both plant height and their light requirements. However, plants can be wintered over inside the home under very high light conditions. Plants should be moved to the outside as soon as night temperatures are above 50°, giving as much light as possible without burning the foliage (3000 to 4000 foot candles). Preferred night temperatures of 60° to 70°F, up to 95° day temperatures are not harmful. Vandaceous hybrids prefer 50% to 60% humidity. If plants are in pots, water once a week, fertilize twice a month. If plants are in open baskets, they can be watered every day and fertilized once a week. They should be potted in a very loose, course material.

Should you have any questions about Phalaenopsis orchid care or any other species, feel free to contact us.