Phalaenopsis

Moth orchids must be the most well-known and popular indoor variety. Mercifully, they are also the easiest to keep happy.

In nature Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytes that grow in trees in rainforests from southern Asia to northern Australia. Different to parasites, which establish themselves in a host and feed off the host’s “energy”, epiphytes use their roots to climb up the branches so that they can reach the light at the top. The plants therefore seek bright light but not direct sunlight. In nature their roots are never under the ground and are also never in water for long – the roots dry out fast after every rainshower. In the house Pick a spot on the northern side where the light floods in but where the plant will not stand in direct sunlight. And don’t interfere with the unruly silver roots that don’t want to stay in the pot – remember, they are epiphytes. Water It isn’t necessary to install a spray irrigation system in your living room – there’s little chance it will get as hot as in a rainforest. In summer, water house plants every seven to 10 days, and in winter, twice a month. The big secret is that the plants should dry out between waterings, but on the other hand do not let the growing medium dry out completely. Always use your finger to test whether the growing medium still feels moist. If so, wait another day or two.

To water the plants, place the pot in a bucket of water and then drain it immediately. If this seems too much hassle, simply place two large ice blocks in the pot every week.

To add moisture to the atmosphere, as in a tropical forest, lightly spray the plant with water. But don’t let the water build up in the crown or it will rot. You can also stand the orchid in a larger flat container filled with gravel and water, but remember that the pot and the roots themselves must never come into direct contact with the water. Once they have flowered… The most important tip is never to cut off the flower spike once the plant has flowered. Winter cold induces the plant to produce more flowers, though they won’t occur on the top part of the spike where flowers bloomed before. However, there is a good chance that, especially if it’s still green, the spike will later develop new flower side shoots or even a keiki – a baby orchid you can remove and plant when it has at least three healthy leaves and a few strong aerial roots. Once a flower spike has bloomed for a second time, you can cut it off to encourage the growth of a new one. Why do they die? There are only two reasons: they aren’t getting enough light, or they are getting too much love in the form of water.