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Phalaenopsis Orchids
Commonly know as the moth orchid, Phalaenopsis, (pronounced fal-en-OP-sis,) are the ultimate house plant. They are easy to grow in our centrally heated homes and flower for an incredibly long time: Expect at least six weeks but don’t be surprised if your plant is still flowering after six months!
Phalaenopsis have fleshy, oval leaves that form a crown at the base of the plant, and thick silvery aerial roots. A healthy plant can have four or more leaves that are used by the plant to process and store nutrients and energy. It is common for the plant to lose and replace leaves each year.
Phalaenopsis that are cultivated in greenhouses do not have a flowering season and flowers may occur at anytime of year. Special care should be taken when purchasing plants in the winter as they will be more prone to cold, weather changes and low light levels, any of which can cause the buds to drop off prematurely or the flowers to wilt.
In their native habitat, Phalaenopsis are epiphytes which means they cling on to trees or rocks rather than grow in soil – They are not parasites! As houseplants they are sold in clear plastic pots allowing light to get to their roots. They are potted in special orchid compost which is aerated and very free draining.
Temperature: Phalaenopsis require a constant warm environment, a minimum night temperature of 18°C and a daytime temperature of 20-24°C are ideal. Mature, established plants would be able to cope with lower and higher temperatures for short periods but they do not respond well below 16°C and above 28°C. Keep plants away from cold draughts and direct heat sources such as radiators.
Light: Phalaenopsis grow naturally in the tropical rainforests under very shady leaf canopies, so they grow best with good light, (but not direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves).
Water: It is very important to take care and water your plant correctly. Never over water or allow the plant to become waterlogged. As a general rule, water once every one or two weeks, (depending on the temperature).
Phalaenopsis, as with most orchids, do not like to stand in water. Always water well from the top of the pot and allow excess water to drain away. Take care not to let water sit in the crown of the plant, (i.e. where the new leaves grow from the centre,) as this can very quickly cause crown rot and kill the plant. Wait until the plant is on the point of drying out and the pot feels light before giving the plant another good watering.
Tip: Check the roots through the sides of the clear pot: If they are green the plant has enough water; if they are silvery and the pot feels light it needs watering.
Clean rainwater is preferred by the plant, especially when feeding, however tap water is OK. Try to use water that is not very cold.
NEVER STAND THE PLANT IN WATER.
Feed: Unlike other plants, Phalaenopsis do not get nutrients from the soil. We recommend feeding, every other watering, regularly throughout the year with a balanced orchid feed. Do not use a strong solution of feed, little and often is the rule. We use and recommend Ivens Orchids’ fertilizer.
Air Humidity: Good ventilation, (not draughts,) and moist air are essential. The humidity can be raised by placing the plant on moist gravel or pebbles. 50-70% humidity is ideal.
Flowering: Plants need to rest after flowering and they tend not to re-flower straight away after previous flowers have died back. Healthy plants flower more frequently so maintain watering and feeding when the plant is out-of-flower and maintain the light and temperature as recommended earlier. Cut back the flowering stem after flowering to remove unsightly dying flower stems.
Flowering is not necessarily a sign of a healthy plant. Phalaenopsis will frequently flower just before they die in an attempt to pass on their genes. This is why “shocking” a plant by moving it to a colder location can make the plant flower, but do not keep it at less than 16°C.
(Question: How do you tell if a Phalaenopsis is healthy? Answer: Check the condition of its leaves and roots. The leaves should be of good colour and pert and the roots should be green or silvery but definitely not brown.)
Repotting: Ideally, repotting should be carried out in the spring when new root development is at it greatest. Always use a clean clear orchid pot and good quality compost. Suitable orchid compost is available from Imogen Stone.
Our orchids are a fine example of Imogen Stone quality. Our customers know that we only supply the highest quality products at great prices and that is why they come back time and time again. So why not join them and become an Imogen Stone customer too? You will never want to buy flowers from anywhere else!
For Orchids - think www.imogenstone.com
For more information about orchid care visit our Plant and Orchid Care page.
[Disclaimer: Imogen Stone Ltd has provided this information as a free-of-charge service and every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Sharp knives and secateurs are dangerous and they are used at the users own risk. Imogen Stone Ltd. does not accept responsibility for any damage to plants or persons caused by following the instructions contained herein.]
© Copyright Ivens Orchids Ltd 2006: All rights reserved.
Other orchid care pages are available for: Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Miltonia, Odontoglossum Alliance, Paphiopedilum and Cypripedium, Vanda Alliance and Zygopetalum.