Submitted by Mike Cory
- About Phalaenopsis (Moth orchid) Genus defined 1825
- Asian tropical epiphytes – Center of species is Philippines
- Orchid plants often enjoyed by Skyline residents
- Phalaenopsis genus has about 83 species
- Hybrids are easy to grow – long lasting flowers
- Hundreds of thousands of hybrids
- Special agricultural entry permits for seedlings from Taiwan, gives low cost
- Room temperature is optimal for growing
- Require less light than many orchids
- Buying a Phalaenopsis Orchid
- Dark green leaves firm green spike
- Leaves not wrinkled or damaged
- Few flowers open, all flowers facing one way
- Many flower buds full and not shriveled
- Longest blooming life is fewest flowers open
- Price $7 to $40
- Caring for your Phalaenopsis
- Water Weekly; Fertilize Weakly (Weekly, Weakly)
- Every week, water thoroughly (fully saturate pot); drain completely
- After draining, fertilize weakly with a cup of ½ strength water-soluble fertilizer. Drain completely again. No standing water below pot
- Keep plant in bright window until it blooms (East is best)
- Once plant blooms, it is OK to move anywhere you wish
- Clip off dead flowers as they fade
- Clip off dead flower spikes when they turn brown
- Green spikes can be left to encourage rebloom – many do not rebloom
- Repotting a Phalaenopsis
- Repot every two to three years
- Use orchid mix, not dirt
- Clean off old mix
- Trim off dead roots and dead leaves
- Put plant into the smallest pot possible, sometimes the same size
- Pack mix tightly around roots
- Soak roots to soften so they fit into container, some may not fitSoak after repotting.