Phalaenopsis - Moth Orchid - Up and Coming

When the holidays approach it means orchids will soon be "Up and Coming".

The main orchid crop you'll find at this time is Phalaenopsis commonly called the Moth Orchid. The site of 100s and 100s of carefully grown and selected phals beginning to spike is a site to see. 

The spikes are young and the flower buds are begin to form... from December 1, through Mothers Day (plan now on that unique gift for Mom) you'll find these beauties in the store. 

Orchids have a myth of being very difficult to grow. They are in fact no more difficult than other house plants. They may even be easier, if you follow some simple guidelines in purchasing and caring for your indoor orchids.

Purchasing Orchids

The Plant

• Should be in proportion to the container. 
• The foliage should be clean, unblemished, medium green in color and free of any visible pest. Remember some of the leaves have a mottling that is natural.
• There should be roots in the growing media. 

The Flowers

• Should be held well above the foliage on a strong, well-supported spike. Many growers use a bamboo stake to help in shipping. 
• Free of any unnatural spotting 
• Still have some buds to open. You will never be able to judge the flower life on your plant after all the flowers have opened. 
• Make sure it fits your decor. Bathrooms with the high humidity is a great place for orchids. 

Indoor Care

One way to kill your orchid is to let the roots sit in water. Nothing kills an orchid faster then letting it sit in water or a water logged pot. The lack of oxygen to the roots will cause them to suffocate and rot.

Most orchids are grown in pots that are filled with bark chips, stones, treefern or some other very loose material. Many growers of phals today are using spaghnum moss as their media of choice. 

When you first bring your orchid home give it a good watering. I may be wrong but I have yet to see an orchid in stores that was wet. The best place to water your plant is probably at the kitchen sink. Use luke warm water and water your plant for about 15 seconds. Be sure to thoroughly wet the media. Then allow the plant to drain for about 15 minutes. It may appear dry but it has had enough water.

If the roots are in a very wet or moist environment they will begin to rot, and there goes the plant. When watering your phal try not to get any water on the flowers themselves. This reduces the life of the bloom. Your plant may be healthy but will have no flowers. The blooms of a good healthy plant should last for many months.

Remember this when watering orchids.

Your orchid can withstand periods of forgetfulness and drought better then they can handle over watering.