Posted by admin | Posted in Growing Orchids | Posted on 04-03-2008
Phalaenopsis (Fal-en-OPsiss), or Moth Orchid, is the most popular and one of the easiest plants for beginners. Most of the 44 species in this genus originate from the Philippines. They range in color from white, pink, yellow and red to green. They may also be striped or
spotted. Phalaenopsis, also called phals, send up long, arching sprays that may contain as many as 20 to 30 blooms. They are long-blooming plants, sometimes blooming for up to four months.
Keep phals flowering longer by cutting the spike back to the second or third node after the plant has finished blooming. The plant will probably produce a lateral spike with more flowers from this node. Phals make excellent cut flowers also, lasting up to one week in water.
Phals are low-light plants (1000-1,500 foot candles). Phals will sunburn if placed in a south or west-facing window, so placing them in an eastfacing window is ideal. If a window does not provide adequate light, artificial lighting can be used. This is accomplished by placing four 40- watt fluorescent bulbs and two 40-watt incandescent bulbs 8 inches above the plant, and setting a timer for 14 hours per day. If the foliage becomes dark green and limp, the Cattleya or Corsage Orchid. plants require more light.
Phals require 70-85F day temperatures and no less than 60F nighttime winter temperatures. A potting mix consisting of 60 percent medium fir bark, 20 percent perlite and 20 percent chopped sphagnum moss is recommended. A onequarter, diluted 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer should be applied weekly. Phals need about 60 to 70 percent humidity. In the home, place orchids on a tray of gravel filled with water, or a humidifier can be placed near the plants. Phals prefer an evenly moist soil, and they are sensitive to drying out. Repot Phalaenopsis every one to two years in late spring or after the main flowering season, and select containers that match the root size, not the plant size.
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