Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids when they are not in bloom

The Phalaenopsis orchid (AKA moth orchid) needs to have care while not in bloom to produce those fantastic blooms that you want to sell. You can't neglect them thinking they have gone dormant.

I meet a woman the other day whom had gotten several Phalaenopsis orchids as gifts and they had just stopped blooming. I asked why the roots were dried out. She told me that the plants were "resting" and was told they did not need much care. I told her she was misinformed and they do need water and fertilizer so they can bloom again.

Don't fall for those same misconceptions. Below is a video that has some very good advice on how to care for your Phalaenopsis orchids when not in bloom.

Growing orchids in colder climates

Orchid growing can be tricky under ideal climates, so add into the mix the fact you live in a colder than temperate climate the year round and you will have a harder time growing orchids. If you live where there is frost or hard freezes in the winter you will have to either grow your orchids inside your home or have a heated greenhouse.

There are several things you can do to be able to grow orchids in colder climate. First thing you should do is pick an orchid that is known for growing in the wild in colder climates. You might think that would be impossible but you will be amazed at how many orchid species can grow in cold surroundings. The cymbidium orchid for example has some members of its group growing in the Himalayan mountains, where is freezes briefly at night but is warm during the day. They can tolerate short bursts of frost but not prolonged periods of hard freezing. There are also several terrain species of orchid that will do well in colder climates. This website page lists many hardy orchids that you can try.

If you don’t have access to a commercial heated greenhouse, don’t despair you can create something similar that can accommodate at least a dozen plants. The easiest way would be to have a greenhouse window installed in a south facing window. Make sure it is tall enough to accommodate tall plants in full bloom. Keep in mind that the flower spikes are often taller than the plant. Other ideas would be to enclose a porch with greenhouse panels and insulate where you can. Try to keep the heat source emanating from you home so as to not run up energy costs. For spot heating you can use shelf heating pads made specifically for greenhouse shelves. The pads roll out on the shelves and pug into an outlet. You place the pots on them. The pads will keep the pots and roots from freezing. They are also great to use when starting off small plants, to encourage root growth. Here is a link so you can find out more about this Greenhouse Warming Heat Mat

Since the sun moves south during the winter in the northern hemisphere (the opposite in the southern hemisphere) keep your light source facing that winter sun. South or south-western facing windows are best. Orchids will still need as much light as you can provide in the short days to force the formation of bloom spikes and flowering.