Some orchids are temperamental but this Phalaelenopsis has give unstinting blooms for eight months on the trot without any trouble. Growing on one stem which branched into three side shoots there were upto 20 flowers on the Orchid at anyone time. The variety must be resilient as we gave it no special treatment but these Phalaelenopsis or Moth Orchids are one of the easier Orchids to grow.

Orchid Flowering Tips

• Orchids like a humid atmosphere but apart from  keeping the soil moist, not heavily watered this plant thrived on a north facing window sill.
• We don’t have under the window radiators so there was no dramatic drying
• This plant wasn’t fertilized but we didn’t get any new leaves either so perhaps we should have encouraged new growth for next season.
• The stem has now been cut back by a half to just above a joint. New flowers may grow and if not the plant will be given a rest in a light bathroom. Looking at the Orchid I see a new flower shoot growing from a leaf joint so there are more flowers to come
• Wipe the leaves to remove dust but do not let water stand on the leaves.
• Phalaenopsis like warm, shady conditions so fit in well to most modern homes.
• Leaves are important to the health and flowering ability of the plant. They should be turgid and glossy and mine are 9 inches long and about 4 inches wide.

• This variety is a strong grower suitable for shows and breeding having been the parent of many off spring.
• The pink veins in the petals make an attractive pattern whilst the darker inner petals add some mystery.
• Aerial roots are not a problem and should be left on the plant. Hard shriveled roots can be tidied up when repotting.
• Pot Phalaenosis in coarse bark or rockwool
• Plants do not grow overly large as it is natural to shed leaves from the bottom as new ones appear at the top.
• Other varieties to look out for include ‘Golden Hat’, the compact Little Skipper or the White Silky moon.

A special book on Moth Orchids A Complete Guide to Phalaenopsis is available

Read about Orchid Compost on Gardeners Products