By Nikki Fitz-Gerald
ITH Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about what to get your mom this year.
One can never go wrong with flowers and chocolates – but for garden lovers, it makes “good green sense” to opt for living indoor flowering plants.
Our focus this month is on the Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid.
Orchids were once regarded as rare, exotic plants but are now a common and popular houseplant, prized for their wide selection of blooms and ease-of-growth.
Phalaenopsis amabilis (Indonesian, meaning “moon orchid”) can be found growing naturally on tree branches and between rocks. In tropical climates, Phalaenopsis orchids tend to grow on tree branches and between rocks, usually near a source of water for moisture.
It is one of three national flowers in Indonesia and is often called the “beginner’s orchid” because of its tolerance to average
Wroom conditions. In China, the moth orchid represents refinement, friendship, perfection, numerous progeny, all things feminine, noble and elegant.
Phalaenopsis is one of the easiest varieties to care for. The exquisite blooms range in colour from the clean classic white, to intense dark pink, with the latest “orchid trends” tending towards mottled and speckled petals.
These super “easy to care for” orchids have the added bonus of long-lasting blooms. When buying orchids, select plants with sprays of flowers that contain flower buds as well as open flowers. This staggers the flowering time, ensuring longevity and extended colour. Moth orchids can be expected to bloom for 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer. In nature, moth orchids flower annually after the cool season. After flowering, continue to water the leathery leaves and position in low light – new flowering spikes should be initiated within a year, depending on when the plant was purchased.
While flowering, position orchids in a high light area indoors. Moth orchids are sensitive to wind and draughts, so and try find a protected area out of direct sunlight.
Moth orchids can also be grown successfully outdoors.
Watering: Weekly watering is sufficient.
Simply place two ice cubes on to the soil medium weekly to keep your orchid in tip-top condition.
Once the flowers have finished blooming, cut back the spent flower spikes.
Feed orchids monthly, both during and after flowering. This promotes plant growth and future flowering. ● For more information on bringing Life to your Garden, visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za.