Our Favorite Orchid

Liquid Diet
It's important to fertilize your moth orchids regularly. Why? Orchid bark medium really just provides a place for the roots to adhere and get moisture but not nutrients. Use a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer diluted to one-fourth or one-half strength. A rule of thumb: Water plants weekly (in the morning), and feed every other week.

Repotting
Every couple of years, it's a good idea to repot your orchid. Why? The bark mixes gradually begin to break down after awhile and start to hold moisture, causing roots to begin rotting. Remember, moth orchids prefer good drainage. Repot them in the spring after plants have finished blooming.

First, water your orchid. Then, gently pull it from its container. Remove any old potting medium from around the roots. Use sterilized scissors to trim away any brown, dead roots (live roots are firm and grayish green). Replant in a slightly larger pot; plastic containers work well. Add new orchid bark medium, and place the plant in the center of the pot on top of the new medium. The leaves of the orchid should be level with the top of the pot. Add more medium around the roots, and water. Feed your plant, and allow several weeks for it to settle.

Will It Bloom Again?
If you do not want to try to get your orchid to rebloom, pass it along to a friend with a green thumb. No guilt here. Otherwise, after your moth orchid has finished flowering, cut the bloom stalk above the node where the first flower bloomed. This should initiate a new bloom stalk. Place in a window with southeastern or southwestern exposure and indirect light. Continue to feed. New growth of leaves indicates the plant is healthy and is likely to rebloom.