Directions For Taking Care Of Phalaenopsis
                   Orchids:


                        Temperatures: For Phalaenopsis should
                        usually be above 60 degrees at night, and
                        range between 75 to 85 degree during the
                        day. During several weeks in the fall, in order
                        to initiate flower spikes. Fluctuating
                        temperatures can cause bud drop on plants
                        with buds ready to open.

                        Light: Phalaenopsis grow easily in a bright
                        window, with little or no sun. An east window
                        is ideal in the home.; shaded-south or west
                        windows are acceptable. Artificial lighting is
                        excellent. Usually four fluorescent tubes in
                        one fixture are placed 6'' to 1'' over the
                        leaves, 12 to 16 hours a day, following
                        natural daily length. No shadow should be
                        seen if you hold your hand one foot over the
                        plant's leaves.

                        Water: is especially critical for Phalaenopsis.
                        Because they have no major water-storage
                        organs other than their leaves, they must
                        never completely dry out. Plants should be
                        thoroughly watered and not watered again
                        until nearly dry through the pot. Water only in
                        the morning, so that the leaves are dry by
                        nightfall, to prevent pot from occurring on the
                        leaves.

                        Humidity: is important to Phalaenopsis, the
                        recommended humidity being between 50%
                        to 80%. In the home, set the plants on trays
                        of gravel, partially filled with water, so that
                        the pots never sit in water. Mist the plants in
                        dry climates, or during dry weather, in
                        morning only.

                        Fertilizer: should be applied on a regular
                        schedule, especially if the weather is warm,
                        when the plants are most often growing.
                        Twice a month applications of high-nitrogen
                        fertilizer (30-10-10) are appropriate in warm,
                        humid conditions. 

                        Potting: is best done in the spring, after
                        blooming. Phalaenopsis plants must be
                        potted in a well-draining mix, such as fir
                        bark, tree fern, various types of stone,
                        sphagnum moss, or combination of these.
                        Potting is usually done every 1- 3 years.