PHALAENOPSIS FERTILIZING: If the weather is warm, the plants are most often growing. Twice a month applications of high-nitrogen fertilizer (30-10-10). When flowering is desired, a high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-20) is recommended. In case of Osmocote, one tea-spoon, twice a year. POTTING: Best done after blooming. Plants must be potted in a well-draining mix, such as fir bark. or moss. TEMPERATURE: Daytime temperature between 65F and 80F. Nighttime temperature between 55F and 75F LIGHT: If the leaves become very yellow, move the plants to a shadier location. The orchids, they don't like too much sunlight. But morning sunlight is good. Leave the orchids, when possible, by a window on east side of home. WATERING: Most orchids tolerate being too dry, much better than they tolerate being too wet. Get some bottled or distilled water once a week. But when you water, let the water run freely through the pot.

ONCIDIUM WATERING: Oncidium must be kept continuously moist (but not soggy) below the surface of the potting media. FERTILIZING: Fertilize twice a month. We recommend high growth (25-9-9) for the first six months after blooming. Then you may switch to high bloom (6-25-25) for the next six months. POTTING: Oncidium initiate new roots, often in a large numbers. This dictates that the proper time to repot is just after new growth begins but before tender developing roots tips can be broken. Oncidium grow well in most standard epiphytic orcid potting media. The base of new growith should be potted about 1/2" (no deeper) into the potting media. Howerver it is essential that drainage be perfect. TEMPERATURE: It will grow in the intermediate temperature (70-85F)days, 60F nights. LIGHT: The majority of oncidiums prefer bright light as for cattleyas; roughtly 1,500-2,000 foot candles.

DENDROBIUM WATERING:Throughly soak the potting medium, then allow it to dry before watering again. FERTILIZING:Apply a balance fertilizer on a regular basis. In an active plant growth, apply 30-10-10 at recommended rates. A bloom booster may encourage flowering. More frequent fertilizing is good under hight temperature and light conditions. POTTING:Many dendrobium, grow and flower better when left undisturbed in a relatively small container. Choose a potting material that will not decompose quickly. Mixture of fir bark and inorganic material (lava rock) have yielded positive result. When repotting, avoid planting the growths too deeply in the mix because the eyes will rot easily if covered with mix. TEMPERATURE:The recommended temperature range is 60-85 F, but temperature a few degrees highter or lower are acceptable. LIGHT:Direct filtered sun is essential for flowering, but provide 30-70% shade during midday.

Phalaenopsis Dendrobium Cymbidium Oncidium General Q&A Harvey's Electronic Orchid Notebook

This Orchid has been grown especially for your enjoyment. How to care for your orchids? LIGHT:  The orchid should never be left in direct sunlight. It may burn the leaves. If they turn yellow, they need to be moved to a more shady area. They do not like too much sunlight, but morning sun is okay.  Leave the orchids, when possible, by a window on the east side of your house. Cymbidium flowers require more sunlight than Phalaenopsis flowers. WATERING: Most orchids tolerate being too dry, much better than they tolerate being too wet. Use distilled water once a week in the winter and every three days in the summer. When you water, let the water run freely through the pot.  The best way to check the moisture is to test it with your finger.  When the bark or moss is about 30% wet (approximately 3 days later in the summer) it is time for more water. TEMPERATURE: Daytime temperature should stay between 65F and 80F. Evening temperature should stay between 60F and 75F.  FERTILIZING: If the weather is warm, the plants are growing more often. When flowering is desired, using a high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-20) is recommended.  If you are using Osmocote (14-14-14), every three months you should sprinkle a small teaspoon of fertilizer onto the plant and then give water. Solid fertilizer is recommended for indoor plants. CUTTING: After the bloom is finished, cut at the base of the stem. But in the winter, cut between the third and forth notch for Phalaenopsis. POTTING: Best done after blooming. During blooming, if you change pots it can cause shock to the flower. Plants must be potted in a well-draining mix, such as bark or moss.  Bark needs watering more often, whereas, plants in moss are watered less frequently.