Plant of the Week...Phalaenopsis Orchid

Orchids are America's favorite flowering plant

America's favorite orchid, and maybe even houseplant, is the Phalaenopsis, aka the Moth Orchid, so named for it's flower shape. Available in many outlets, including garden centers like Valley View Farms, Phals are easy to grow and priced reasonably. 

Love the arching stems of Moth Orchids in outdoor mixed planters

Phalaenopsis are epiphytic, growing on tree trunks, branches and rocks. They send out fleshy, aerial roots that often grow outside of the pot at your local garden center.  Do not cut the roots off as this is how the plant gets its moisture and nutrition. I've had the blooms of the Moth Orchid last for several months. The flowers stalks begin at the base of the orchid, growing from leaf joints. The tall flower spikes naturally fall forward in a beautiful, arching form. In stores, most are staked and held by floral ties or clips to keep them upright. 

Beautiful colors, spectacular blooms

How to care for Phalaenopsis:

Moth Orchids like the same conditions as other common houseplants like African Violets. Provide an

east or shaded south-facing window. Phalaenopsis can also be grown and cultivated under grow lights. Daytime temperatures between 70-85 F and nighttime temperatures above 60 F will suit them.

Simple, arching forms

 Watering Moth Orchids is slightly different than watering other houseplants as they are planted in a special bark mix to allow for good air circulation. Keep the orchid bark medium moist, always allowing for good drainage. Special orchid pots are a good investment for the orchid collector.

Orchid pots have holes in the side to allow for better air circulation for the roots

 Fertilize with a general purpose or orchid specialty food in the spring and summer. In the fall, switch to a blossom booster fertilizer, coupled with cooler nights, to induce plants to set buds and flower.

 Provide humidity by placing pots on pebble trays, keeping the water level low enough to not interfere with the plant's roots. Do not use the ice method of watering. These are tropical plants that like warm, tepid water. 

Most fertilizer companies have a specialty orchid food

After their bloom period, leave the flower stalk as Phals may form new flowering branches along old stems. If the stem browns, cut it back. Repot every year or two. The orchid potting mix tends to break down. Repot in late spring using the aforementioned potting mix. 

Look for potting mixes particularly for orchids

Valley View Farms offers an orchid repotting class every winter. Eric R will demonstrate and talk about Phalaenopsis and other orchids. Stay tuned for our 2024 Seminar Schedule to be released soon. In the meantime, get on board the orchid train and enjoy these incredible plants in your home and office. 

Longwood Gardens 

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