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| Photo Credit: © 2008 Greg Allikas |
| Nothing is more beautiful than an inflorescence of perfectly overlapped Phalaenopsis flowers. |
Hybrids and species in the orchid genus Phalaenopsis – or Phals, as they’re commonly referred to – might just be the perfect houseplant. Even when not in flower, healthy plants have attractive, broad, glossy, green leaves. A few species and their hybrids have beautiful mottled foliage, too. But of course, we grow these plants for their beautiful and long-lasting flowers. Not too many years ago most of these “moth orchids” (so called because a flowering plant gives the illusion of fluttering moths) only offered white, pink or pink-striped flowers. Thanks to Taiwanese orchid growers taking pioneering efforts to the next level, we can now find Phals in a dizzying array of colors and patterns.
Phalaenopsis is an Old World genus of about 50 species generally found in warm lowland forests of tropical Asia east of Sri Lanka to Papua New Guinea and Australia. Species can be found on larger islands within this range, with several desirable ones found in the Philippines. Phalaenopsis are monopodial orchids, meaning that the plants grow upward from a single stem, producing leaves and flowers along that stem. | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: © 2008 Greg Allikas | | Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a Philippine species with beautiful barred foliage and flowers that have a fragrance reminiscent of rose petals. |
Although Phals bloom only once a year, the flowers stick around awhile: Depending on climate and growing conditions, blooms can last in excess of two months! Flower production is initiated by the cooler temperatures of autumn. Inflorescences will begin developing by Christmas, and flowers can follow anytime from mid-January through February and March and last through May or later. Most species and hybrids aren’t fragrant, but a few species, notably P. schilleriana and P. violacea, can pass a lovely fragrance on to generations of hybrids.
The best part about Phalaenopsis orchids is that they grow best in the same conditions as people, making them excellent houseplants and a perfect “first orchid.” They grow well in a temperature range of 55-90 degrees F and in relative humidity of 50-75 percent. Maintaining that proper humidity throughout the year can be a problem in heated northern homes and air-conditioned southern ones, but there’s an easy solution: Just place your plant’s container on a tray of pebbles with water in the bottom to create a more humid atmosphere around your orchid. Daily misting also helps. And while some orchids need very bright light to grow and flower, Phals don’t. A bright windowsill that doesn’t receive any direct sun is a great place to try a plant or two. (They can take a little brighter light, but they’ll need to be gradually acclimated so the leaves don’t get sunburn.) They can also grow under lower light conditions, like inside an office, but they may not receive enough light to flower. (So if your orchids don’t bloom, look to the light.)
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| Tips |
- Hydrogen peroxide and cinnamon aren’t just common household items – they’re remedies for leaf problems like bacterial rot (a soft wet area on a leaf) or crown rot. Hydrogen peroxide can be poured directly into the crown of infected plants or dabbed onto leaves with a disposable cotton swab. (As always, keep this liquid out of children’s reach.) Cinnamon can be easily dusted onto wet bacterial rot on leaves or into the crown.
- Phalaenopsis are generally pest-free, but spider mites may be attracted to the undersides of the leaves. Wipe foliage with a white tissue. If you see red or brown, use 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid or peppermint soap in a 1-quart hand sprayer of water. Spray leaves thoroughly every couple of days until mites are gone.
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| Facts |
- Even when not in flower, healthy Phalaenopsis plants have attractive, broad, green leaves that add value as a houseplant.
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| Faqs |
- Q: My flowers looked gorgeous, and now ugly spots are popping up all over them. Is my plant in danger?
A: It could be the fungus Botrytis cinerea. Yes, it’s ugly, but it won’t harm your plant. The fungus can be discouraged by keeping water off flowers and buds and providing a little extra air movement near your orchid. It’s always a good idea to remove infected flowers to prevent the spread of the fungus. - Q: When and where do I cut the flowers off?
A: After flowering, cut flower spikes back just above the first or second “node” on the stem, and the following year, the plant may produce a new spike from this old one. (Always use sterilized cutting tools so you don’t spread any viruses!)
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