Basic Care of Phalaenopsis Orchids
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Here at Just Add Ice, we specialize in one type of orchid: the Phalaenopsis. But that doesn't mean that your choices are limited, since there are about 60 stunning varieties!
The name may refer to the genus Phalaena, a group of large moths named by Carolus Linnaeus, probably since the flowers of some species are said to resemble moths in flight. For this reason, the species are sometimes called "Moth orchids."
These seemingly delicate blooms are native throughout southeast Asia from the Himalayas to the Philippines and northern Australia. An entire Taiwanese island is named for them: Orchid Island. In the wild they are typically found below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight, but are found equally in seasonally dry or cool environments. Different orchid species have adapted individually to their particular habitat. They bloom for several weeks.
If orchids are kept indoors, the flowers may last two to three months!
Phalaenopsis are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants, due to the ease of propagation and flowering under artificial conditions. They were among the first tropical orchids in Victorian collections. Since the advent of the tetrapoloid hybrid Phalaenopsis Doris, they have become extremely easy to grow and flower in the home, as long as some care is taken to provide them with conditions that approximate their native habitats.
We suggest our customers just add 3 ice cubes once a week - it's that simple to give your beautiful plant the water it needs to bring its tender beauty to your home or office for an extended period of time.
With watering being one of the most important aspects to keep your orchid flourishing and in bloom for months, we’ll even send an email once a week to remind you to add 3 ice cubes to your orchid pot.