Phalaenopsis Orchids

Nowadays, orchid blooms have become the most sought-after flowers and they are widely used for ornamental as well as commercial purposes. A common misconception about orchids is that they are difficult to grow as houseplants.

Here are some tips to grow and care for the Phalaenopsis orchids, which are the most popular variety and comparatively less fussier to nurture.

Orchids are flowering plants, which belong to the family orchidaceae. It consists of 880 genera and almost 22,000 species. Phalaenopsis is one genus, which includes 60 species of orchids. These orchids are also called ‘moth orchids’, as their flowers resemble moths in flight. Phalaenopsis orchids are considered to be one of the most popular orchids, as they are easy to grow at home, as compared to their counterparts. Let us find out the methods to take care of a Phalaenopsis orchid.

General Characteristics
Phalaenopsis orchids are natives of southeast Asia, Philippines and Australia. These plants are usually found adhered to trees in deep forests or rocks. They have broad, flat succulent leaves and long arching stems with flowers. Usually, a plant has five to ten green leaves, and roots which are white in color. In some species, the stems are long with big round flowers.

There are species with short stems and flowers with flashy colors. Apart from these, there are a large number of hybrids, which are more adapted to the artificial conditions than their natural habitat. One important factor owing to the popularity of this orchid is that its flowers can last up to three months in artificial conditions. The flowering season starts in December and ends in May. Flowers of some species and hybrids last longer. Some varieties can bear flowers throughout the year.

Purchasing Tips
Phalaenopsis orchids are available in different sizes and forms. You can go in for potted ones, with or without flowers. Smaller versions without flowers are available at a cheap price. These can be in individual or community pots. Community pots contains more seedlings, which can flower within two years, if they are properly taken care of.

Seedlings of this plant are also available in flasks, in which the seeds are sown. Once they are brought outside the flask, the size of the plant depends upon the leaf span, which is the measurement from one leaf tip to the other in the opposite direction of a leaf. Normally, a plant with a leaf span of eight inches or above is considered as a flowering one, but some species can flower even when their leaf span is just four inches.

It is advisable to choose plants with firm (white or silvery) roots, and fleshy leaves without blemishes. A plant with more strong and live roots is good. It should be free of bugs and pests. Buying a plant with flowers is advantageous, as you will know the color and design of the flower, beforehand. Always go for plants with some buds along with flowers. The buds will help you to judge the lifespan of flowers. The spike should be strong and the flowers should be free of unnatural spots.