Important notes
general: Phalaenopsis is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Only caution with fertilizer: apply to roots, do not spray onto leaves. ↗
water sitting in the crown: Not a toxicity risk but a care pitfall: water left in the central crown causes crown rot. Always water in the morning and only at the roots. ↗
Lumière
Bright, indirect light. An east or lightly shaded west window is ideal; harsh midday sun scorches the leaves. It also grows under grow lights.
Arrosage
Water thoroughly about every 7 days, then let it nearly dry out. Only in the morning and only at the roots — never let water sit in the central crown. Overwatering is the most common cause of death.
Température
Day 24–29 °C, night above 16 °C. A few weeks of cooler autumn nights (~13–16 °C) trigger the flower spike.
Humidité
50–70 % humidity and good air movement. It thrives on a pebble tray or in a bathroom.
Valeurs cibles par méthode et phase
| Phase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Eau °C | Air °C | Humidité % | Lumière h | Durée (jours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Végétatif | 5.5–6.5 | — | — | 18–29 | 50–70 | 12 | 180 |
| Floraison | 5.5–6.5 | — | — | 16–27 | 50–70 | 12 | 90 |
| Phase | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Eau °C | Air °C | Humidité % | Lumière h | Durée (jours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Végétatif | 5.5–6.5 | 0.4–0.8 | 18–24 | 18–29 | 50–70 | 12 | 180 |
Problèmes fréquents
Wrinkled leaves (too little water or damaged roots), black leaf base (water in the crown), no blooms (nights too warm), bud drop (drafts, temperature swings).
Space & Size
- Final height
- 60 cm
- Final width
- 40 cm
- Spacing
- 30 cm
- Root depth
- 15 cm
- Min. container (Terre)
- ≥ 1 L
- Min. container (Kratky)
- ≥ 1 L
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | white cottony clusters in leaf axils | dab with alcohol, neem |
| Scale | brown bumps on leaves, sticky | scrape off, alcohol, neem |
| Spider mites | fine webbing, silvery stippling (dry air) | raise humidity, rinse off |
| Crown rot | blackened, soft leaf base after water in the crown | cut out affected tissue, cinnamon, keep dry |
| Root rot | mushy brown roots from waterlogging | remove rotten roots, repot in fresh bark, water less |
Techniques de rendement
After blooming, cut the spike above the 2nd–3rd node (eye) — a new side spike with flowers often emerges from there. If the spike has fully dried, cut it off at the base.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- keiki
- Pollination
- cross
- Hand pollination needed
- yes
Propagate via keikis (plantlets on the spike) or division — not from seed at home (needs a sterile lab).
Flavor
—
Storage
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History
Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and northern Australia, where it grows on trees. Bred since the 19th century, mass propagation has made it the world's best-selling orchid today.
Nutrition
Ornamental plant — not edible. No parts for consumption.
Sources
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