Question
Hi Jim,

Read a couple of your responses and hope you can help me out with my problem.  I repotted my orchid and placed it under a tree outside. It didn't seem to do so well so I moved it onto my deck out of direct sunlight.  The leaves have a huge white patch in the middle, very green at the base and very green on the end.  It doesn't look like a sunburn but its odd, I've had it for over a year and its never happened before.  I live in Florida on the east coast, its beginning to get warmer and more humid.  Should I repot and move back inside.  It was always inside and did so well, big beautiful leaves.  Also, how do you get them to rebloom, it hasn't bloomed in over a year.

Thank you so much,
Julia

Answer
Hi Julia,

From your description of what happened, it does sound as though the phal got a bit too much sunlight and sunburned but not severe enough to turn brown. Unfortunately, that white patch will not go away until the leaf dies of its own accord, which can take a year or so naturally.

Phalaenopsis orchids require some sunlight to grow and bloom but not a lot of sun, a couple hours of early morning sun is enough - especially where you live in Florida. You can grow it on the deck during the warmer months if you wish, then bring it back indoors when evening temperatures start to dip below 60 F. If you repotted it recently, it probably doesn't need repotting until next spring.  

Unfortunately, phal. blooming season is just about over so you will have to wait until next winter for any blooms. Commercial nurseries use temperature and light levels to trick phals. to bloom, that's why you see blooming phals available all year round.

To get it to initiate the bloom cycle, continue to care for it as you have been. In late summer to early fall, feed it some epsom salt mixed at 1 tablespoon per gallon water for 3 watering cycles (no fertilizer added). If possible, around mid fall allow the phal to be exposed to evening temperatures of 55 to 60 F for several weeks, this will tell the phal it is almost time to start the bloom cycle.

Since you seem to be doing pretty good with it already (other than the slightly burnt leaf), keep up the good work with it.  

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, let me know and I'll try to answer them.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.