Everything About Orchids

Originating from Southeast Asia, the Phalaenopsisis Orchid, also known as the Moth Orchid because of its Moth or Butterfly-like appearance.  In fact, there is even an island off the coast Taiwan named Orchid Island, after this plant.

To date, there are over 60 discovered species of Phalaenopsis  Orchids.  These flowers are found in many beautiful colors, the most common being white, pink, lavender, yellow and orange. These tropical and attractive plants can often also be found in striped or spotted varieties.

Not only are orchids exotic and attractive, they are also easy to care for!  The Phalaenopsis does not hold much water in its leaves, and therefore have similar watering needs to the Cacti family. They should be watered thoroughly about every seven days.  It is very important that the plant is not left to sit in standing water, which would cause bacteria to develop and possibly kill the plant. To avoid standing water, be sure that the plant’s pot has drainage holes in the bottom!  Set a pot like this, on top of a saucer to catch any excess liquid.

Phalaenopsis  Orchids are an ideal houseplant because they thrive in temperatures of 70-80 degrees, during the day and around 60-65 degrees, at night; this is the temperature zone that most houseplants are kept in. Orchids like a humidity level of about 50-70%, but will adapt perfectly fine to lower levels, if watered weekly.

Contrary to popular belief, the Phalenoposis does not need to be kept in much light. In its original environment – Asia, the orchids often grow in shaded, moist forests.   If you choose to, keep your plant by a window, make sure that it does not have direct mid-day sun.  In direct sunlight, the orchid may get too hot and shrivel up or become victim of bud blast (buds drying up and falling off before they blossom.) An East facing window would be a wonderful spot!

Phalenoposis Orchid flowers last anywhere from 2-6 months and can bloom 2-3 times a year , once they are mature, established plants. This plant’s natural blooming period is from fall to spring, lying dormant in the summertime. Some people will just keep their Orchid while it’s blooming, but it definitely can be kept much longer – just be patient and wait for it to bloom, once again! If you would like to keep your orchid going, you’ll need to re-pot it once it stops blooming. Use fresh orchid media (bark, stones, moss).  Be sure to look at the Orchid’s stem; more often than not , much of the stem is still green with small green nodes. Cut right above the 3rd node from the bottom of the stem.  If any nodes are brown, skip that node and count the next. If the entire stem is brown, simply cut the entire stem. The orchid will then use all its energy to form a new stem spike.

To encourage the new growth in the fall, let your indoor house plant know it is autumn and time to bloom! Simply open a close by window in the evening so the orchid can feel the cooler air - do this a least a few times in a week. This is also a good time to fertilize your orchid. Your new orchid spike will appear and shortly start blooming. Continue to fertilize your orchid once a month, to foster healthy growth.

Happy Blooming!