How do you grow Phalaenopsis orchids indoors so they thrive?

The Phalaenopsis orchid is an elegant princess from the tropical rainforest, so it makes no small demands on its growing environment, especially when cared for indoors, where light, humidity, temperature and ventilation all need to be matched to its needs, and every one of these details can become a stumbling block to its growth. Still, those who have already bought a Phalaenopsis orchid need not worry too much; below we reveal a very simple yet very effective secret to growing it.

One of the most important conditions for growing a Phalaenopsis orchid well is preparing a granular growing medium for it. Because of its native growing environment, the Phalaenopsis orchid especially likes a medium with particularly good air permeability and drainage. Therefore, granular materials such as perlite, coconut coir and bark are recommended; unlike traditional soil, these granular materials are less prone to waterlogging, which prevents the risk of root rot and death in Phalaenopsis orchids.

Now the question is, how do you use these granular materials correctly? First you need to know the mixing ratio; it is recommended to mix perlite, coconut coir and bark in a 2:1:1 ratio, which makes a medium that is both airy and moisture-retentive and is extremely favourable for Phalaenopsis growth. Second, repotting also takes skill; it is recommended to repot once a year in spring or autumn, and when using the new granular medium, gently tap the roots to remove some of the hollow, compacted old soil, then place the plant into the new medium and make sure the roots are fully spread out. Finally, there is the watering principle; generally speaking, Phalaenopsis orchids are watered by the "dry-wet cycle" method, which specifically means watering only when the soil surface feels slightly dry, watering thoroughly each time but avoiding water pooling in the bottom of the pot.

The reason granular media are so highly recommended for growing Phalaenopsis orchids is that during care we found that when a granular medium is used, it is almost as if magic has been worked: growth speeds up noticeably, the leaves become greener, and even more dramatically, flower buds keep emerging one after another, bursting into brilliant, gorgeous blooms within just a few short months and filling the whole room with vitality.