Information by Collectors Corner
Often called a butterfly or moth orchid these plants have long graceful stems and beautiful and long lasting flowers. They are native to the Philipines and tropical Asia although modern hybrids have now improved the plant from the original species. In Melbourne, phalaenopsis can be grown quite successfully as indoor plants, providing some consideration is given to their special requirements.
Temperature: Phalaenopsis are happiest in a humid atmosphere with plenty of fresh moving air,filtered or artificial light and a minimum temperature of 16C. In such conditions, the plant will flower for many months - white flowers last longer than pink (12-20 weeks vs 8-12 weeks). If minimum temp is 12C the plant will still flower regularly yet the leaves may not grow as large.
To create a humid atmosphere you can do either:
1). Place your orchid pot inside a larger pot and fill the space between and below with sphagnum moss. Keep the moss wet and this will create humidity around the plant.
2). An upturned pot placed in a deep saucer of pebbles and water will incease humidity. Alternatively, the orchid may be placed on top of a wire tray or rack above a saucer of pebbles and water. The roots of the plant may grow down into the water. If this occurs, there is no need to disturb the roots, but never place the orchid pots permanently in water, as the roots must have a constant flow or air around them to receive oxygen. Or you could move to Darwin.
Watering: Water your plants often enough to keep the potting mix damp, but never soggy wet. Try to use water at room temperature when watering, as very cold water can damage a warm leafs tissue and lead to fungal infections and pitting on the surface of the leaves. The thick leathery leaves of the orchid act as a store for water, so any adverse conditions affecting the leaves are detrimental to the plant. Avoid water sitting in the crown (leaf junction), as this can quickly lead to fungal problems.
How often you need to water depends on the air temperature, and the light under which you are growing your plants. During very hot weather a thorough watering twice a week, and small waterings or heavy mistings on other days may be required. During winter, growth is slower, so a heavy watering every two weeks with smaller waterings in between should suffice (depending on room temperature). If you choose to use the double pot method, thoroughly soak the pots, and the sphagnum moss wil retain moisture for a few weeks, so less watering will be required.
Position: Phalaenopsis make ideal house plants as they do not require direct sunlight. They may be grown close to a window, but always have some sort of curtain to filter direct rays.
Come down to Collectors Corner at Gardenworld right now and you can see a stunning collection of orchids in flower.
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