How To Care For Beautiful Butterfly Orchid

Phalaenopsis, butterfly orchid, is perhaps one of the orchids grown as indoor plants and is one of the favorites of those who have emissions. Plants will bloom often well developed, even several times a year, although their season starts in late winter and lasts until spring. Ambient temperature and under ordinary conditions of houses seem to be sufficient, in general. Flower stems, to some hybrids can be forced to bloom again if they cut the top, after making the first flower. Only healthy plants should be induced to continue flowering.

Butterfly orchid does not require special conditions. It grows very well if it is placed in a bright window which receives little or no direct sunlight. An east oriented window is ideal and south shaded windows or west are acceptable locations. Also, if any, the orchid can receive artificial light: four fluorescent tubes are required by incandescent bulbs attached to a support to 15-30 cm above the leaves, the butterfly orchid is exposed to this light 12-16 hours a day, following the normal course of the day. In the greenhouse, the flower should be placed in the shade, make a simple test: if put your hand at 30 d cm above the leaves should not see any shadows on their surface.

Temperature - to butterfly orchid is recommended 16-18 degrees Celsius at night and between 21-29 degrees Celsius during the day. Although higher temperatures lead to faster vegetative growth, high humidity and air circulation is absolutely necessary if the temperature is increased. Maximum acceptable temperature is 32-35 degrees Celsius. Autumn, during the nights, it is recommended the maintenance of temperatures of 12 degrees for several weeks to produce some flowers. Temperature fluctuations can cause the fall of buds, if they are about to open.

Watering - Water is a critical factor to butterfly orchid. Since does not have specialized organs to retain fluids, the plant should not be let to dry never. The orchid should be watered abundantly, and then left until the land dries. When it is very hot and the humidity is low, the soil can dry overnight, in the greenhouse in a cold climate, this can happen every 10 days. Butterfly orchid should be wet only in the morning, as the leaves start to dry until nightfall to prevent decay.