Phalaenopsis Orchids - Anggrek Bulan
Phalaenopsis or Phal or also called Moth orchid is an orchid genus
introduced by Blume in 1825. This genus name refers to phalaena, a
name of the moth (Lepidoptera) subdivision given by Carolus Linnaeus,
since this orchid closely resembles the shape of a moth
Repotting. As any other orchids, phals need to be repotted.
The same reason of repotting also applies to your phal; the outgrowing from its
present pot and the condition of the potting media that should be renewed. How
to repot your phal have I explained in article specially addressed to this
issue
Pest control.
The danger of being messed up or hampered by insects or others is still there
and can disturb the healthy life of your phal. So, monitor your orchid for
aphids, mites, slug and scale. If you find any, remove it with a soft cloth
steeped in soapy water. You can also use a pest control product, but make sure
to follow the instructions on its label.
Phalaenopsis or Phal or also called Moth orchid is an orchid genus
introduced by Blume in 1825. This genus name refers to phalaena, a
name of the moth (Lepidoptera) subdivision given by Carolus Linnaeus,
since this orchid closely resembles the shape of a moth
This genus includes about 60 species which are native to the South East
Asian region from the Himalayan mountains to the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia , the Philippines
and northern part of Australia .
They are mostly epiphytes with a few numbers of lithophytes. In bare nature,
some species grow under the shade of moist and wet forests sheltered against
direct sunlight. Others grow in environments with dry or cool seasons.
Phalaenopsis does not have pseudobulbs or rhizome usually found in
epiphytes. It grows in a single upright stem with some alternating fleshy and
thick, elliptical leaves. This growth habit is called monopodial growth. A
healthy phal could produce up to ten or more leaves along its stem. The cluster
of flowers, either in the form of raceme or panicle grows from the stem between
leaves. In the wilderness their full blooming will last for several weeks,
while if kept at homes, it might bloom for 2 – 3 months.
Phalaenopsis are very suitable as potted orchids since they are easy to
propagate and bloom under artificial conditions. Since the introduction of
Phalaenopsis Doris, a tetrapoloid hybrid of this orchid, their growing in homes
become very easy assuming that the provided conditions are nearly the same as
their native habitat. Phalaenopsis has been commercially produced ever since.
Phalaenopsis orchid care guidelines
Light. Place your phal near or at a bright window. The
ideal window spot is an east or west facing window. In gloomy or cloudy days a
shady southern window will do best Avoid direct sunlight in mid-days. The most
appropriate time is the early morning or in late afternoon sun.
In the absence of sunlight, a fluorescent light is a good substitute by
placing it about 1 foot above the orchid. Do not forget to time your light
resembling normal daytime length. If a home greenhouse is in your possession,
you may as well use a heavy shade cloth to produce a light intensity of 1,000 –
1,500 fc (foot candles) during summer in particular.
Temperature. The preferred temperature for phals is ranging
between 55º and 85ºF. To provide ideal growth it is best to set a night
temperature of 60ºF and a daytime temperature of 75º – 80ºF.
Cool night temperatures during the fall will
promote the initiation of flower spike. Be careful in maintaining the
temperature, since too fluctuated temperature may cause failure of the bud to
open and may drop off. A temperature exceeding 90ºF will slow down growth.
Humidity. Phals need moderate levels of humidity. The ideal
range is between 50% – 75% relative humidity. In heated homes place your phal
on a shallow tray which is filled with stones and water to keep the desired
humidity near your phal. Make sure that the roots do not immerse in the water.
Water. Phals need to be watered thoroughly. Do not let them
dry to the point of wilting. The frequency of watering depends also on the type
of potting media that are in use as well as its growing environment. An average
of every 7 – 10 days will be sufficient.
Remember that heated homes in winter produces lower humidity which means
that you need to water your phal more often. If they dry to the point of
wilting it really will be a setback for your pity phal.
Fertilizer. For satisfactory results, applying a slow
release fertilizer with an equal proportion of N-P-K will be sufficient. You
can use the liquid plant food as well using the equal proportion as recommended
on the label and applying it every second time of your watering.
Flowering. The phal flowers are recognized to have a long
lifespan. You can even induce the second flowering through timely pruning. What
you have to do after the fading of the last flower is to check the spike and
look for fleshy bulges or nodes. Count out 3 fleshy nodes and cut the spike
about an inch above the third node.
By doing this, a healthy plant will stimulate one or two nodes to produce a
cluster of new blooms. Repeating this several times will make it possible for
you to enjoy your phal blooming of almost 6 months.
Repotting. As any other orchids, phals need to be repotted.
The same reason of repotting also applies to your phal; the outgrowing from its
present pot and the condition of the potting media that should be renewed. How
to repot your phal have I explained in article specially addressed to this
issue
Well, that concludes the brief explanation about Phalaenopsis and some
guidelines on how to care for your amazing phal.
