Question
I read your response on the care of a butterfly orchid after it finishes blooming.  Many sites mention feeding it at certain times, but I've seen nothing on what to feed it. Can you tell me what to feed it and  what to use to fertilize it?  I just got this plant for Christmas and it still has four blooms and four buds.  Thanks so much.

Answer
Hello Loretta,

What to feed your butterfly orchid?  Go to your local garden center and look or ask for a balance type orchid fertilizer.  You can mix it according to the directions on the container and feed it once a month or try feeding it as I do mine, mixing about 1/4 the amount and feeding with each watering.  Also, use lukewarm water, not cold directly from the faucet.  Pouring cold water onto the roots can shock them, not enough to kill them but may set them back a little.  I place a container of water on the kitchen counter overnight, mix in a little fertilizer in the morning then water/feed my indoor orchids.  For only one orchid, you probably need about a cup of water and slightly less than 1/8 teaspoon of fertilizer.   

There are some time release fertilizers available that can make things easier.  Sprinkle a little of the fertilizer capsules on top of the pot and as you water they release a small amount of fertilizer each time.  Again, look for one that is considered a balance type.  

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best in 2008 and years to come.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.