Most people are introduced to orchids through phalaenopsis orchids.
These are the thick-leaved plants with elegant, arching sprays of
blooms that can be seen in so many design magazines and sitting on
coffee tables across America. There are about 60 true species of
phalaenopsis; they are native to tropical Asian countries including the
Philippines, Borneo, Java and elsewhere. These plants have been
extensively hybridized, and there are thousands of phalaenopsis hybrids,
ranging from the stark, classic white hybrid (often called a moth
orchid) to jewel-like miniatures with clouds of yellow and candy pink
blooms.
Light:
Phalaenopsis are low-light
orchids and will thrive in a east window, or a shaded southerly or
westerly exposure. They do not like direct sunlight and will scorch.
They also will do well under common grow lights, positioned about a foot
off the plant. A well-grown phal will have darker green leaves on top
and streaks of red or burgundy on the undersides.
Water:
The
phalaenopsis is a monopodial orchid that grows from a single stem. It
does not have the large water-storing pseudobulbs found on sympodial
orchids, although its leaves can store some water. Thus, the plant has a
lower tolerance for drought. During the growth season, water the plant
whenever its exposed roots turn silvery white, usually weekly. Try to
keep the potting media slightly damp. During the flowering season, you
can cut the water back to every other week. The higher the humidity, the
more important it is to maintain a good air flow around the roots and
leaves. See Grower's Tips for watering advice.
Fertilizer:
During
the growing season, fertilize with a weak orchid fertilizer weekly
(weakly weekly, as the growers say). Cut fertilizer back to once a month
during the winter and flowering season. Some growers like to give the
plant a boost of blooming fertilizer in September or October to provoke a
flower spike.
Temperature:
Generally,
phalaenopsis are considered a warm-house plant. During active growth,
they like temperatures between about 75 and 85 degrees, but they can
adapt to a normal house temperature of 65 to 70 degrees. The higher the
temperature, the greater the plant's need for humidity. However, they
also like a nice contrast between night and day temperatures. See
Blooming below for temperature tips.
Blooming:
Phalaenopsis
typically bloom in the late winter or early spring. Their long-lasting
flowers are held on arching branches and open successively. A single
multi-branching flower spike can have more than 20 flowers. Individual
phalaenopsis flowers can last for weeks. To induce a flower spike, the
plant needs a few cooler nights, down to 55 degrees. The plants will not
bloom well without this temperature contrast.
Potting and media:
Phalaenopsis
can be grown in most orchid potting media, including chunks of pine
bark, clay aggregate pellets, charcoal, perlite, sphagnum moss, and
styrofoam. They can also be grown in hanging baskets or mounted on slabs
in a greenhouse-type environment. As with all epiphytic orchids, they
should be planted in free-draining containers. Repot phalaenopsis in
spring, after the bloom is done. Adult phalaenopsis can often go for two
years or more before they need to be repotted.
Grower's Tips:
Phalaenopsis
are generally very rewarding plants. They are not demanding and, in the
right conditions, they will reward the grower with months of showy
blooms. It is vitally important, however, that water never be allowed to
rest in the growing tip of the plant. This will cause the new leaves to
rot, and the plant will die. Thus, they should only be watered in the
morning. As with all orchids, the higher the humidity and temperature,
the greater the need for turbulent air flow to prevent rot, fungus and
diseases. Successful growth means finding the right balance between
humidity, temperature, light and air flow.
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