Phalaenopsis-Orchids-growing-beautiful-colorful-flowers !!

Phalaenopsis orchids have captured the hearts and minds of growers, collectors and breeders for generations.  Also known as "Moth Orchids" or Phals.., they come in a wide spectrum of color and petal design variation..

Phalaenopsis Orchids are very popular due to their incredibly beautiful flowers with an almost limitless variety of colors, patterns and designs on their petals, Phalaenopsis flowers are the most sought after of all and they make wonderful gifts. It's no wonder that growing orchids has become such a passion.

No other family of plants in nature produce such a wide range of color as do orchids.  They are relatively easy to propagate and are able to flower under artificial conditions and they do well in greenhouses and solariums in colder climates.  In the tropics, they flourish outdoors but must be sheltered from rain and direct sunlight.

The other interesting feature of Phalaenopsis Orchids is that under ideal conditions, the they will produce new flower spikes continuously; at about the time the when the flowers of the older spike has begun to fade, the new spike emerges.  Since their flowers last almost three months, the some species of orchid, like the Phalaenopsis, appears to be almost 'ever flowering', making them so rewarding for collectors.  Click here to significantly improve your orchid growing skills.

Phalaenopsis Orchids come in a diverse range of beautiful colors.

Phalaenopsis Orchids were among the first tropical orchids in the Victorian collections. and since then, their commercial production has become a vibrant industry.

Orchid Brunch

Typically in nature, they are found growing in warm temperatures of between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human habitation in temperate zones (15°C to 30°C or 59 °F to 86°F).

Below, a mixed Phalaenopsis arrangement, fit for a royal wedding..

From seedlings to mature plants, they spend their early days in greenhouses until the first flower spikes appear and are then moved to display areas for sale.

Below, a few examples of tiny varieties and as you can see, the petal and leaf shapes are definitely Phalaenopsis.

Mini Phalaenopsis 2nd flowering

Phals add beauty and color wherever they are displayed.  Although "raised" in greenhouses, orchids are relatively easy to maintain.  In the "wild", orchids grow on trees and so bark is generally the potting medium of choice and watering thoroughly once per week is usually sufficient.  This does depend on where you keep your plant and the climate where you live. If your plant is potted in moss, water when the top feels dry. The amount of light and heat your plant receives will determine the watering frequency. E.g., in summer your plants will need more frequent watering and less during winter. 

Here are a few general guidelines to growing healthy, vibrant phalaenopsis orchids:

1. They grow best in bark, in small pots but some don't need pots, like Vandas.
2. Water once per week and avoid pouring water in the crown (where the leaves join in the center) to avoid crown rot. After watering, pour out any access water that settles in the saucer - Never let your orchids sit in water!!
3. Place your orchids in a brightly lit room or area but NOT in direct sunlight. In the garden, some orchids thrive under tree canopy but keep your Phals sheltered from rain and direct tropical sunlight.

Orchids in the mirror

Placing your orchids next to a mirror is a clever way to "double your yield".

Below are a fine spike of beautiful pink Phalaenopsis orchids blooming majestically on Mothers Day, 2014.  It is interesting that these awesome plants can thrive in a solarium in the "snow belt" region of Canada and in a garden in Malindi, on the east coast of Kenya.

Beautiful Pink Phalaenopsis Blooms

I would like to say a very sincere and heart-felt thank you to Gail, Cindy, Menora, Debs, Mary, Just Add Ice Orchids and Gigi, for all their support, pictures and feedback.


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