Japanese Orchid Care
Japanese orchids are epiphytes. This means they have roots that are exposed and aren’t planted in soil as most flowers. There are thousands of species of orchids and the Japanese orchids are known as Neofinetia falcate or the Japanese wind orchids. Most of the Japanese orchids have white flowers, but you can find them in many other colors too. Orchids take a little more care than most flowers, but their beauty and fragrance make it all worth your time.
Place coconut fiber in the bottom half of a small flower pot. A bonsai dish will work as well if you have the time to pay special attention to watering.
- Japanese orchids are epiphytes.
- Most of the Japanese orchids have white flowers, but you can find them in many other colors too.
Wrap the roots of the Japanese orchid with sphagnum moss and place in the pot. Make sure the crown of the orchid is above the top of the pot.
Water to dampen the moss and coconut fiber. Empty drain tray after 15 minutes. Do not allow the moss to completely dry out.
Keep the orchid in a location where it gets plenty of light and temperatures are between 75 and 85 during the day and not below 65 at night. Japanese orchids will handle slightly cooler temperatures than tropical orchids.
- Wrap the roots of the Japanese orchid with sphagnum moss and place in the pot.
- Water to dampen the moss and coconut fiber.
Mist the orchid once every other day in the spring and summer, using a spray bottle full of lukewarm distilled water. Tap water may contain chemicals that can harm the orchid.
Use a liquid or water soluble orchid fertilizer once a month in the spring, summer and fall. Do not fertilize during the winter as the plant will not be actively growing.
Change the coconut fiber in the pot once a year to prevent salt and mineral build up from the fertilizer.
Grow Japanese Orchids
Plant the Japanese orchid using a commercial mixture that contains fir bark, peat moss and perlite. Purchased orchids that are not growing in the appropriate medium should be transplanted immediately. Pour water into the container to moisten the potting mixture. Allow the water to flow through the bottom drainage holes to avoid excess water around the roots. Remove the container from the tray 10 to 15 minutes after watering. Set the Japanese orchid in an area that receives filtered sunlight with a daytime temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperature of 65 degrees. This area can be indoors or outdoors. Japanese orchids thrive in 40 to 50 percent humidity. Avoid applying fertilizer at the same time as a water application. Japanese orchids don't require fertilizer during the winter months since they are not actively growing. Repot the orchids every one to two years using the same method as planting.
- Mist the orchid once every other day in the spring and summer, using a spray bottle full of lukewarm distilled water.
- Change the coconut fiber in the pot once a year to prevent salt and mineral build up from the fertilizer.
