I crave bright, indirect light to power my growth and produce my beautiful flowers. Think of a spot near an east-facing window where I can bask in the gentle morning sun. A south or west window can also work, but you must shield me with a sheer curtain to protect my leaves from getting scorched. If my leaves turn a deep, dark green, I am likely not receiving enough light. A light green, sometimes with a slight reddish tinge on the edges, indicates I am getting just the right amount of fuel.
My watering needs are specific and change with my growth cycle. I am an epiphyte, meaning I naturally grow on trees and my roots are designed to dry out quickly. The worst thing you can do is keep me soggy. During my active growth period (typically spring and summer), water me thoroughly once a week, or when you notice my potting media is nearly dry. Drench my roots until water runs freely from the drainage holes, then let me drain completely. In the cooler, dormant months, reduce watering significantly, perhaps only every two weeks. My pseudobulbs (those thick, fleshy stems) store water, so I can tolerate a bit of drought.
I thrive in a home environment that has a distinct temperature difference between day and night, mimicking my natural habitat. Ideally, keep me in daytime temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 30°C). At night, I appreciate a noticeable cooldown to between 55°F and 60°F (13°C - 16°C). This temperature drop, especially in the autumn, is a crucial signal for me to initiate flower spikes. Please ensure I have good air circulation around my leaves and roots; stagnant, humid air encourages fungal and bacterial diseases that can harm me.
While I get energy from light, I need additional nutrients to bloom my best for you. During my active growing season, feed me with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength. Apply this fertilizer every other week when you water. It is vital to flush my potting media with plain water once a month to wash away any harmful salt buildup from the fertilizer. When my growth slows in the late fall and winter, you should stop feeding me altogether as I am resting.
My roots demand a great deal of oxygen and absolutely detest being suffocated in dense, water-retentive soil. I must be potted in a very coarse, fast-draining medium, such as fir bark chunks, sphagnum moss, or perlite. You will know it is time to repot me every two to three years when this media begins to break down and decompose, or when I have outgrown my pot. The best time to do this is when you see new growth beginning, typically in the spring. Carefully trim away any dead or mushy roots before placing me in a new pot, which should only be slightly larger than the previous one.
