Light

Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production. Provide bright light, no direct sun. In the home, place the orchids in an east, west or shaded south window. In a greenhouse, give them about 30 percent full sun. Under lights, use four 40-watt fluorescent tubes and two 40-watt incandescent bulbs directly over plants.

Foilage should be naturally semi-erect, and of a medium olive-green color. Dark green, limp foilage indicates too little light.

Temperature

Mature plants need a 15 to 20° F difference between night and day. Provide nights of 60 to 65° F; days of 75 to 85° F. Seedlings need temperatures 5 to 10 degrees higher than mature plants.

Water

Mature plants should seldom dry out between waterings. Seedlings need more constant attention to moisture.

Humidity

Phalaenopsis need 60 to 70 percent humidity. In the home, place on trays of moistened pebbles. In a greenhouse, use a humidifier if conditions are too dry.

Fertilizer

Must be provided on a regular basis because potting medium has little. The exact fertilizer you use will depend on the mix in which your plant is growing. A good general rule is to use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10, 12-12-12 or similar ratio) "weakly, weekly". That is, fertilize every week at one quarter to one half of the recommended dilution.

Potting

Should be done every one to two years before the mix breaks down too far. Best done in late spring after the main flowering season, using a well-drained but water-retentive mix. Select pot size for root mass, not top size.