Phalaenopsis Orchid: care guide
The world's best-selling, and most misunderstood: here are the real rules.
Updated on 2026-07-17 · 6 min
Phalaenopsis is the world's best-selling orchid, and also the one that dies most often — almost always for avoidable mistakes. Here are the real rules.
The transparent pot is not a whim
Phalaenopsis roots photosynthesize. The transparent pot serves the plant, not the aesthetics: keep it clear.
How to water
By soaking: put the pot in water for 15 minutes every 7–10 days. Green roots = hydrated, silver-grey roots = time to water.
Light
Bright filtered light, never direct sun. Leaves should be bright green (too dark = low light, yellowish = too much light).
How to make it re-bloom
After blooming, cut the flower stem just above the second node from the bottom. In 2–3 months a new flower stem emerges. A 5°C nighttime drop for 2 weeks helps a lot.