The Phalaenopsis orchid
The geographic origin and life in the wild :
The genus Phalaenopsis has about 48 species, and thousands of varieties. The Phalaenopsis lives at relatively low heights of 200 to 400 meters.
It originates from the dense, hot and humid jungles of Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, and New Guinea. Epiphytes in most cases, the Phalaenopsis grow on the upper branches of trees, protected from direct sunlight by the density of the foliage. Drenched throughout the year with daily showers, the Phalaenopsis knows no rest period.
Their position on the tree is unique: the leaves are not pointed upwards, as when they are grown in pots, but rather pointing towards the ground. In this way, rain water and moisture slides off the leaves to the ground runoff, protecting the plant from rot leaf. The high moisture content is also reduced by regular breeze.
Recommended to beginners and to all those who love having flowering orchids throughout the year, the Phalaenopsis orchid is perfect for cultivating in an apartment or house: it requires minimal care.
Easy cultivating :
The Phalaenopsis is one of the easiest orchids to grow.
Duration of flowering :
Minimum 1 ½ months, maximum 3 to 4 months.
Recommended temperatures :
18 ° C to 35 ° C during daytime, 16 ° C to 25 ° C at night, and a "day-night" fluctuation from 2 to 5 ° C throughout the year, especially during the months of August and September. The Phalaenopsis grows exclusively indoors. It is strongly advised against placing them in a garden or on a balcony during the summer.
Watering :
It is recommended to generously water the surface until the water runs through the entire pot for at least 5 to 10 seconds. You can also soak two thirds of the pot in a basin of water for 8 to 15 seconds.
For the Phalaenopsis, the watering frequency depends on the amount of light, the ambient temperature, the quality of the substrate and the size of the pot.
On average, your Phalaenopsis should be watered every 5 to 6 days. Watering should be done in the morning and evening , with water at room temperature.
How to tell if your Phalaenopsis is thirsty ?
The easiest and most reliable way to tell is to hand-weigh the pot after watering. It soon becomes heavy because the bark is instantly soaked with water.
After a few days, check on the weight of your orchid pot by hand.
If the pot feels much lighter, you should proceed with watering again. If the weight remains fairly unchanged, watering is not recommended.
There is a greater risk of overwatering an orchid than a lack of it.
- Option 1 : Fill a tray with 4 to 6 cm of water, and place an upturned pot in the center of the tray, on which you can put your orchid.
(By observing the above recommendations, the orchid and its roots are not touching the water.)
- Option 2: Lightly spray the underside of the leaves on a daily basis, preferably in the morning, making sure that only the underneath of the leaves are moist.
Also, spray the compost surface and exposed roots.
In winter, if the ambient air becomes too hot and dry, you may apply both options.
Water quality :
For the watering and spraying of your plant, a water low in minerals is necessary.
Rain water remains ideal, but you can also use filtered water.
Light :
Unlike some orchids, the Phalaenopsis orchid does not require a huge amount of light. Placing it by a large North-facing window will suffice. It can also benefit from being placed around windows facing all other directions, provided that a safe 30 cm distance from the pot to the actual window is observed.
It must be protected from direct sunlight at all times and especially during the mid-February to the mid-November period of the year.
You may even protect it by covering it with a light layer of muslin.
But when in full bloom, do not forget to place your orchid where its beauty will be most enjoyed by all.
Compost :
Like most orchids, the Phalaenopsis need the nutrients that regular fertilising will bring.
It is necessary to apply a specific compost to your plant once out of every 2 or 3 watering sessions.
Re-Potting and substrate :
The re-potting phase is done every two years after the flowering period in spring or early summer. The recommended substrate is a blend of bark and earth, of average size granules. After re-potting, wait ten days before resuming a watering routine, but maintain a good humidity level around your plant.
After flowering :
Cut the flowering stem of your Phalaenopsis right above the second or the third knot from the base.
