PhalaenopsisMoth orchid
The most familiar orchid of all, and the heart of our Yalova greenhouses. In nature Phalaenopsis is an epiphyte: in the humid forests of Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Australia it clings to tree trunks, rocks and crevices, usually close to streams and rivers.
- Origin
- Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Australia
- Availability
- All year round
- Flowering time
- 8–10 weeks
- Temperature
- 15–25°C
Position & light
Choose a bright spot, out of direct summer sun. Keep it away from ripening fruit.
Feeding
It will flower without feeding; a monthly dose of orchid food supports flowering.
Watering
Usually once a week, when the growing medium has dried: stand the inner pot in a few centimetres of water for about 10 minutes, let it drain thoroughly, then return it to its decorative pot.
Reblooming
Once the flowers have dropped, cut the stem just above the second node counted from the base. Water a little less and move your orchid to a cooler spot until new buds appear.
Temperature
Ideally between 15 and 25°C.
Repotting
Repot only when it has outgrown its pot, and never while in flower. Use an orchid-specific growing medium.
Care tips are general guidance. Apply them while observing your orchid’s surroundings and the moisture of its growing medium.