Phalaenopsis
fal-en-OPP-siss

The Moth Orchid

An American Orchid Society demographic survey showed that Phalaenopsis have become America's favorite orchid. And no wonder they are well suited to home orchid growing. Plants with long-lasting sprays of lovely moth like blooms in a broad array of colors are inexpensive and widely available, ready to give weeks of pleasure in your home or office. Simply provide modest light and consistent moisture, and they will delight you with their relative ease of culture. The main flowering season is late winter into spring, though commercial growers today can make flowering Phalaenopsis available year round.

LIGHT

Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production.

Provide bright light, no direct sun. In the home, an east, west or shaded south window. In a greenhouse, about 40% full summer sun. Under lights, use 40-watt full spectrum fluorescent tubes directly over plants. Foliage should be naturally semi-erect, and of a medium olive-green colon Dark green, limp foliage indicates too little light.

Temperature

Mature plants prefer a 15 to 20 F difference between night and day.

Provide nights of 60 to 65F days of 75 to 85 F. Seedlings need temperatures 75 to 80 F. A few varieties do need temp difference between day and night to set buds.

Water

Mature plants should seldom dry out between waterings. Seedlings need more constant attention to moisture. Water quality should be of low salts.

HUMIDITY

Phalaenopsis prefer 50 to 70 percent humidity. In the home, place on humidity trays in greenhouse; use a humidifier if conditions are too dry. Misting is good mornings only.

FERTILIZER

Must he provide on a regular basis because most potting media have little.

Provide the exact fertilizer you use will depend on the mix in which your plant is growing. A good general rule is to use a balanced fertilizer "weakly, weekly." That is, fertilize every week at one half teaspoon / gals.

POTTING

Should be done every year before the mix breaks down too far. Best done in late spring after main flowering season, using a well-drained but water-retentive mix. Select pot size for root mass, not top size.

Roberts Flower Supply 12390 Root Rd Columbia Station Ohio 44028 440-236-5571

This text is a recommendation only, it is not an endorsement of any products or acceptance of any liability as a result of usage.

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