Many growers refer to Phalaenopsis Orchids as simply Phals, and they are also called Moth Orchids. The name Phalaenopsis comes from Greek, and means "looks like a moth." The manner in which the typical Phalaenopsis spreads its petals is reminiscent of the appearance of one of them that is resting. These flowers naturally have fifty or sixty different species, but more kinds have been added through hybridization. These are beautiful and colorful and will add an elegant touch to any home. This is a tropical or subtropical species, and they usually grow as epiphytes in or on trees. Some of these cattleya orchids will also grow on rocks.
Orchid Types- There are essentially only two types of orchid but many different varieties. It has been stated that orchids are the largest flower family in the world having over 25,000 species with an additional 100,000 hybrids created by enthusiasts. They are gorgeous flowers that are appreciated as gifts and decorative plants in and around the home.
Moth flowers should be grown in a medium designed for epiphytic flowers - usually composed of bark, coconut fiber, or sphagnum moss. Although many flowers do like to dry out nearly completely between waterings, the Phal variety like to be kept just slightly damp at all times.
The Cymbidium is also another popular type which is sometimes used as a corsage. However, this orchid does not grow inside all year round like the moth orchid. These type of flowers are long lasting and are famous for their range of colors, usually red, cream, white, pink, brown, orange, yellow and green.
Temperature is as important to Moth Flowers as it is to all varieties. They can only grow and thrive in a fairly narrow temperature window. Moth Flowers do not like temperatures lower than 60 degrees F, or higher than 85. They will not be able to tolerate temperatures lower than 60 for very long, so care should be taken during a northern winter to protect them from the cold. The room temperature should be kept on the warm side when the orchid is developing buds or flowering.
Phalaenopsis Orchid (Moth Orchid)- The Phalaenopsis orchid is another very popular species of orchid with its beautiful purple flowers and its frequency of blooming throughout the year. It is also known as the Moth orchid because its leaves can be likened to a moth's wings in flight.
In the wild, the Moth variety grows in conditions of low or diffuse sunlight. Direct sunlight will be too intense for these flowers and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and sometimes scorch. A windowsill on the east side of the house, to catch the relatively weak morning sun is the best spot for this orchid, and it can be moved to the west side in the late afternoon for a bit more light. Artificial lights can also provide adequate lighting for Moth Flowers.
Feeding And Watering Your Orchid- Thoroughly soak your orchid once a week and let it dry completely before watering it again. If your home is especially dry, you may need to water every 5 or 6 days if the orchids soil is still damp you may want to wait 8 or so days until the soil is dry. Fertilize your moth orchid once a week with miracle grows using the fertilizer at half strength.
Orchid Types- There are essentially only two types of orchid but many different varieties. It has been stated that orchids are the largest flower family in the world having over 25,000 species with an additional 100,000 hybrids created by enthusiasts. They are gorgeous flowers that are appreciated as gifts and decorative plants in and around the home.
Moth flowers should be grown in a medium designed for epiphytic flowers - usually composed of bark, coconut fiber, or sphagnum moss. Although many flowers do like to dry out nearly completely between waterings, the Phal variety like to be kept just slightly damp at all times.
The Cymbidium is also another popular type which is sometimes used as a corsage. However, this orchid does not grow inside all year round like the moth orchid. These type of flowers are long lasting and are famous for their range of colors, usually red, cream, white, pink, brown, orange, yellow and green.
Temperature is as important to Moth Flowers as it is to all varieties. They can only grow and thrive in a fairly narrow temperature window. Moth Flowers do not like temperatures lower than 60 degrees F, or higher than 85. They will not be able to tolerate temperatures lower than 60 for very long, so care should be taken during a northern winter to protect them from the cold. The room temperature should be kept on the warm side when the orchid is developing buds or flowering.
Phalaenopsis Orchid (Moth Orchid)- The Phalaenopsis orchid is another very popular species of orchid with its beautiful purple flowers and its frequency of blooming throughout the year. It is also known as the Moth orchid because its leaves can be likened to a moth's wings in flight.
In the wild, the Moth variety grows in conditions of low or diffuse sunlight. Direct sunlight will be too intense for these flowers and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and sometimes scorch. A windowsill on the east side of the house, to catch the relatively weak morning sun is the best spot for this orchid, and it can be moved to the west side in the late afternoon for a bit more light. Artificial lights can also provide adequate lighting for Moth Flowers.
Feeding And Watering Your Orchid- Thoroughly soak your orchid once a week and let it dry completely before watering it again. If your home is especially dry, you may need to water every 5 or 6 days if the orchids soil is still damp you may want to wait 8 or so days until the soil is dry. Fertilize your moth orchid once a week with miracle grows using the fertilizer at half strength.
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