Panda Face Orchid

Watering orchids in the correct manner is essential for their health. Ideally, it is best to water your Panda Face Orchid thoroughly once, and allow the entire pot to dry out before watering again. During the hot summer months, you may need to water it twice a week. Always remember to use tepid water when watering. Cold water can cause root burn.

Panda Face Orchids require bright, indirect light throughout the day for optimal growth. Place your orchid in an area that receives medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as too much sun can scorch or fade the foliage. It is best to place your orchid in an east-facing window to ensure enough sunlight without too much direct exposure.

Panda Face Orchids prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C), with temperatures not dropping below 60°F (15.5°C) and no higher than 90°F (32°C). Low and high temperatures can adversely affect the blooms, so it’s important to keep this within the tolerable range.

Panda Face Orchids need a relative humidity of 40%-70% to thrive in their environment. A cool room with a fan or humidifier is ideal to maintain the correct humidity level. Place your orchid near the fan or place a layer of pebbles with water beneath the pot to provide proper humidity.

Panda Face Orchids should be planted in well-draining potting soil, and it is best to use a fir bark potting mix that is specifically made for orchids. You can also add charcoal to the mix for better drainage and additional nutrients. Do not use regular potting mixes as these can cause root rot.

It is necessary to fertilize your Panda Face Orchid every two weeks with an orchid-specific fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Choose a balanced fertilizer with a mix of macro-nutrients, such as 10-10-10. If using liquid fertilizer, make sure to dilute it to a quarter strength and use weekly instead of every two weeks.

Panda Face Orchids are susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects, which should be removed immediately. To prevent the spread, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and placed directly on the affected area. Spraying with neem oil or potassium soap can also help prevent and treat pests. Be sure to check all new plants for signs of pests before bringing them home.

Repotting Panda Face Orchids should be done in the dormant, non-flowering season, usually in the spring. First, remove the old soil from the roots and carefully inspect the root system before repotting. Use a fresh potting mix made of fir bark and charcoal, and make sure to not over-pot the orchid. It should feel slightly snug in the pot, but not overcrowded.

Prune your Panda Face Orchid regularly to keep it healthy and compact. Cut off all affected leaves and stems and also any flower stems that have already bloomed. Blooming is best prevented by careful pruning, as the fresh buds that are left will be able to bloom in their place.

Mulching is an excellent way to keep the soil moist and the roots cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Organic mulches such as peat, sawdust, compost, wood chips, or pine needles are all suitable options. Apply an inch or two of mulch around the base of the plant, avoiding contact with the stems and foliage.

You can propagate Panda Face Orchids by dividing the rhizomes. Cut the rhizome into two segments using a sterile razor blade. Separate each individual segment and dip the cut end in a fungicide solution. Plant it into a mix of peat and perlite, and keep it in an area with bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity.

Panda Face Orchids need support to keep them from tipping over. Use a stake that’s made of bamboo or soft wire to tie the stems to the stake. Be sure to not put too much pressure on the stems when tying as this can damage the plant.

Panda Face Orchids require a rest period after flowering. The rest period is necessary to help the plant regrow its leaves and set bud for the next bloom. During this period, the orchid should receive very little light and water and should be kept in a cool area (between 60-70°F/15.5-21°C).

It is not toxic to pets, so can be enjoyed in the home without worries.