Phalaenopsis or Phal, or also called Moth orchid, is an orchid genus introduced by Blume in 1825. This genus name refers to phalaena, a name of the moth (Lepidoptera) subdivision given by Carolus Linnaeus, since this orchid intimately resembles the shape of a moth
This genus includes about 60 species which are native to the South East Asian region from the Himalayan mountains to the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines and northern part of Australia. They are mostly epiphytes with a few numbers of lithophytes. In bare nature, some species grow under the shade of moist and wet forests sheltered against direct sunlight. Others grow in environments with dry or cool seasons.
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Phalaenopsis does not have pseudobulbs or rhizome regularly found in epiphytes. It grows in a single upright stem with some alternating fleshy and thick, elliptical leaves. This growth habit is called monopodial growth. A salutary phal could produce up to ten or more leaves along its stem. The cluster of flowers, whether in the form of raceme or panicle grows from the stem in the middle of leaves. In the wilderness their full blooming will last for any weeks, while if kept at homes, it might bloom for 2 - 3 months.
Phalaenopsis are very convenient as potted orchids since they are easy to propagate and bloom under synthetic conditions. Since the introduction of Phalaenopsis Doris, a tetrapoloid hybrid of this orchid, their growing in homes become very easy assuming that the provided conditions are nearly the same as their native habitat. Phalaenopsis has been commercially produced ever since.
Phalaenopsis orchid care guidelines
Light. Place your phal near or at a keen window. The ideal window spot is an east or west facing window. In gloomy or cloudy days a shady southern window will do best Avoid direct sunlight in mid-days. The most approved time is the early morning or in late afternoon sun.
In the absence of sunlight, a fluorescent light is a good substitute by placing it about 1 foot above the orchid. Do not forget to time your light resembling normal daytime length. If a home greenhouse is in your possession, you may as well use a heavy shade cloth to produce a light intensity of 1,000 - 1,500 fc (foot candles) during summer in particular.
Temperature. The preferred climatic characteristic for phals is ranging in the middle of 55º and 85ºF. To provide ideal growth it is best to set a night climatic characteristic of 60ºF and a daytime climatic characteristic of 75º - 80ºF.
Cool night temperatures during the fall will promote the initiation of flower spike. Be true in maintaining the temperature, since too fluctuated climatic characteristic may cause failure of the bud to open and may drop off. A climatic characteristic exceeding 90ºF will slow down growth.
Humidity. Phals need moderate levels of humidity. The ideal range is in the middle of 50% - 75% relative humidity. In heated homes place your phal on a shallow tray which is filled with stones and water to keep the desired humidity near your phal. Make sure that the roots do not immerse in the water.
Water. Phals need to be watered thoroughly. Do not let them dry to the point of wilting. The frequency of watering depends also on the type of potting media that are in use as well as its growing environment. An midpoint of every 7 - 10 days will be sufficient.
Remember that heated homes in winter produces lower humidity which means that you need to water your phal more often. If they dry to the point of wilting it certainly will be a setback for your pity phal.
Fertilizer. For satisfactory results, applying a slow release fertilizer with an equal proportion of N-P-K will be sufficient. You can use the liquid plant food as well using the equal proportion as recommended on the label and applying it every second time of your watering.
Flowering. The phal flowers are recognized to have a long lifespan. You can even induce the second flowering through timely pruning. What you have to do after the fading of the last flower is to check the spike and look for fleshy bulges or nodes. Count out 3 fleshy nodes and cut the spike about an inch above the third node.
By doing this, a salutary plant will stimulate one or two nodes to produce a cluster of new blooms. Repeating this any times will make it potential for you to enjoy your phal blooming of approximately 6 months.
Repotting. As any other orchids, phals need to be repotted. The same infer of repotting also applies to your phal; the outgrowing from its gift pot and the health of the potting media that should be renewed. How to repot your phal have I explained in record specially addressed to this issue
Pestcontrol.The danger of being messed up or hampered by insects or others is still there and can disturb the salutary life of your phal. So, monitor your orchid for aphids, mites, slug and scale. If you find any, take off it with a soft cloth steeped in soapy water. You can also use a pest control product, but make sure to follow the instructions on its label.
Well, that concludes the brief explanation about Phalaenopsis and some guidelines on how to care for your remarkable phal.
The Phalaenopsis Orchid Care
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