Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis Orchid If you're like me, caring for something as delicate looking as an orchid can be intimidating, but these plants are surprising little creatures. They can be some of the easiest and most beautiful houseplants to grow.

Orchids are a vast and elegant family. There are some thirty-five thousand naturally occurring species from all over the world. The family is divided into four major groups based on whether they grow in trees, on rocks, decaying vegetation or in sand.

If you're a beginner at growing orchids, I recommend that you start with the Phalaenopsis orchid. They produce spectacular sprays of blooms in solid or variegated, white, pink, lavender, yellow and even red. When you select one go for a plant with healthy foliage and mature flower buds rather than open blooms.

The reason the Phalaenopsis orchid is a favorite houseplants is that it will take low light conditions and when it comes to temperature, if you're comfortable, it is too. Phalaenopsis enjoy a temperature range similar to what we prefer, about 70 to 80 degrees during the day, but a bit cooler at night. This makes them the perfect companions in our homes.

When it comes to soil, orchids really don't grow in soil at all. They grow in the bark of fir trees and some growers like to create a blend of fifty-fifty fir bark and lava rock.

Now when it comes to feeding, orchids are light eaters. You only need to fertilize them with twenty-five percent of the recommended amount on a liquid fertilizer label. And they should be fed about every other week. Orchids hate salt build-up from fertilizer so it's important to wash that out when you water.

If growing something this beautiful has seemed out of the question for you, you should really give Phalaenopsis orchid a try. I think you'll be surprised at how easy and enjoyable they are to have around.

Orchid Arrangement10-09-02 A Punch Bowl of Orchids

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Phalaenopsis Orchid

Norma McKellip

Reply #8 on : Fri October 16, 2009, 15:34:12

My Phalaenopsis was blooming when I purchased it (several years ago), and blossomed two or three times after that. the blossoms last a long time. But now it hasn't bloomed for over 2 years. I have basically kept it in the same location. It sat on a small TV in front of a north garden window lots of bright, but indirect light. The only difference is that I changed to a larger TV and I don't think it is as warm on top as the old one. I have it sitting on marbles covered with water for moisture, but the pot is not sitting in the water. What should I do to get it to bloom again.

Norma McKellip

Dividing Phalaenopsis

Leora

Reply #7 on : Thu October 15, 2009, 17:53:14

I have a number (12) of these wonderful plants which have delighted me with blooms since February!!
I have one plant that seems to need to be divided. It has no blooms now but is putting out a new leaf. The plant seems to have grown a second plant attached to the side of the original plant. I think it should be divided but don't know how to do this without damaging both parts of the plant. Shall I just replant and not divide?
Any help you can give will be appreciated.

Newsletter

Janis Ladd

Reply #6 on : Mon October 12, 2009, 21:51:06

A friend shared your newsletter with me. I found it quite informative and would love to receive it. Thanks for sharing your love for plants.

Had my orchid plant a year & it doesn't bloom.

Lorraine

Reply #5 on : Sun October 11, 2009, 16:14:05

When I first purchased it, it had flowers. Since then I have not had any flowers. What are those green things growing out of the bark? Are they roots of some sort? Flowers do not come from those - do they? Thank you for your reply

orchids

Donna

Reply #4 on : Sat October 10, 2009, 22:48:47

I have problems getting orchids to rebloom. They grow all summer but I can't get them to rebloom.

Re: Phalaenopsis Orchids

Anonymous

Reply #3 on : Fri October 09, 2009, 15:30:21

I have grown these orchids for years -- they are so easy to keep happy. Some of my 'moth' orchids are in bloom for months and then actually will put out another flower spike, or add more buds on an existing flower spike. Mine live in an east facing window over the kitchen sink. I try to keep water in a pebble tray under the plant saucers.
Pretty and long lasting, hard to beat!

Orchids

Ineca Langer

Reply #2 on : Fri October 09, 2009, 11:36:11

You are so right about orchids. They are really easy to grow and when they bloom, the blooms last for weeks. I have my orchid collection in the master bedroom and bathroom windows. This is on the north side of my house.They do just fine there. Right now I have a lovely one in bloom.

orchids

Jo Evans

Reply #1 on : Fri October 09, 2009, 11:25:47

Dear P. Allen Smith,

Thank you for your beautiful arrangements of orchids, I am a "newbie" to orchids having had one one Phalaenopsis until very recently when a very dear neighbor by necessity of her husband's health, left our neighborhood here in Maryland and I then received her much neglected Cattleya orchid to care for. My interest in orchids has moved me to join an orchid club and to attend a large mid-Atlantic orchid show at the US National Arboretum in Washington, DC. This is and American Orchid Society sanctioned/judged show!

As gardener whose first love is roses, this has been quite a challenge.

Your very interesting articles and pictures are truly appreciated . More, please.

Sincerely,

Jo Evans
Boyds, MD