Please place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing windowsill is perfect. Direct afternoon sun, especially through glass, will scorch my leaves, leaving unsightly brown patches that I cannot heal. If you see my leaves turning a reddish or yellowish shade, it means I am getting too much light. My leaves should be a healthy, robust olive green. I also appreciate a stable environment, so keep me away from drafty windows, heating vents, or air conditioning units, as sudden temperature fluctuations are very stressful for me.
My roots are my lifeline, and they need both water and air. The biggest mistake you can make is to keep them constantly soggy. Please water me thoroughly only when my potting medium is nearly dry and my roots inside the pot look silvery-green, not vibrant green. Lift my pot; if it feels light, it's time for a drink. Use lukewarm water and pour it over the bark, allowing it to run freely out of the drainage holes. Never let my pot sit in standing water, as this will cause my roots to rot and I will struggle to absorb nutrients and water, ultimately leading to my decline.
I grow in bark, which provides little to no nourishment, so I rely on you for my nutrients. During my active growth period (typically when I'm producing new leaves or a flower spike), feed me with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer. Please dilute it to half or quarter strength and apply it every other week. It is far better to give me a weak solution regularly than a strong dose that will burn my sensitive roots. When I am dormant or not actively growing, you can reduce feeding to once a month or pause altogether.
My beautiful blooms are my pride and joy. To make them last, keep me in my comfortable spot and maintain your good watering habits. Once my flowers finally fade and drop, you have a choice regarding my flower spike. You can cut it back to just above a healthy "node" (the little bump on the spike). Sometimes, I will be energized enough to produce a secondary bloom from that node. Alternatively, if the spike turns brown and dry, you can cut it off entirely at the base. This allows me to redirect all my energy into growing stronger roots and new leaves, building up strength for an even more spectacular bloom next season.
I only need to be repotted every one to two years, or when my potting bark breaks down and no longer drains properly, or when my roots have completely overgrown my container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than my root mass and has excellent drainage. Use a fresh, coarse, fast-draining orchid potting mix, typically composed of bark chunks. This is also the perfect time to gently trim away any black, mushy, or desiccated roots with sterile tools. Be gentle with my healthy, silvery-green or green roots, as they are fragile.
