The Perfect Houseplant: Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids)
As winter is finally letting go of its grip on the garden, my phalaenopsis orchids are filling the windowsills with their exotic blooms! Your favorite box store or supermarket probably has a selection at reasonable prices. You won’t get a named cultivar, but for the price you can’t beat moth orchids.
I like growing the mini orchids because they fit well on my southeast facing windowsills. I also have a clear Lucite shelving unit that hangs in the window giving me more growing space.
When purchasing orchids, I always look for plants with healthy green leaves and multiple stems. Each stem should have lots of flowers and unopened buds and some branching. If the plant has these qualities from the start, you know that it has the genetic potential to bloom even better. Don’t fall for a pretty face if the orchid has sparse bloom.
Phalaenopsis orchids grow on tree trunks in the warm tropics, hence the presence of aerial roots along their stem. Most of these roots will sprawl out of the pot. Moth orchid’s flowering period can last a month or more.
Caring for moth orchids is fairly easy. I like to fill the sink with warm water and let the plants soak until they are saturated before putting them back in their decorative pots. They shouldn’t need watering more than once a week. Normal room temperatures with indirect light from an east or west window is perfect for moth orchids. Fertilize actively growing plants once a month with a commercial orchid fertilizer.
Plants may be moved outdoors into a shady location during the summer months. Groom by cutting off any yellowed leaves or dried flower spikes. Under normal indoor growing conditions, phalaenopsis orchids won’t need repotting for a few years or when the potting media begins to break down.
I like growing the mini orchids because they fit well on my southeast facing windowsills. I also have a clear Lucite shelving unit that hangs in the window giving me more growing space.
When purchasing orchids, I always look for plants with healthy green leaves and multiple stems. Each stem should have lots of flowers and unopened buds and some branching. If the plant has these qualities from the start, you know that it has the genetic potential to bloom even better. Don’t fall for a pretty face if the orchid has sparse bloom.
Phalaenopsis orchids grow on tree trunks in the warm tropics, hence the presence of aerial roots along their stem. Most of these roots will sprawl out of the pot. Moth orchid’s flowering period can last a month or more.
Caring for moth orchids is fairly easy. I like to fill the sink with warm water and let the plants soak until they are saturated before putting them back in their decorative pots. They shouldn’t need watering more than once a week. Normal room temperatures with indirect light from an east or west window is perfect for moth orchids. Fertilize actively growing plants once a month with a commercial orchid fertilizer.
Plants may be moved outdoors into a shady location during the summer months. Groom by cutting off any yellowed leaves or dried flower spikes. Under normal indoor growing conditions, phalaenopsis orchids won’t need repotting for a few years or when the potting media begins to break down.
My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant’s point of view.
~H. Fred Dale
~H. Fred Dale