The name Phalaenopsis is derived from the Greek names Phalaina (= moth) and opsis (= looks like). That is why the Phalaenopsis is also commonly known as the Moth Orchid. Another popular name for the Phalaenopsis in The Netherlands is ‘Queen of the Living Room’. Of origin the Phalaenopsis grows in the tropical parts of Asia and Australia, on branches of trees and in the cracks of rocks, often near streams and rivers. In nature there are no less than 20,000 different varieties of orchids. Maarel Orchids cultivates about 300 variations that have been selected and multiplied especially for use in Living Rooms.
Light
The Phalaenopsis prefers a light place, but cannot take direct sunlight in the period from March through September. The plant flourishes at a room temperature of 18 – 22° C.
Water and nutrition
Water the Phalaenopsis only once per week. Preferably dunk the plant into some lukewarm water when the soil is dry. This is visible by the roots, which turn greyish in colour when dry. Allow the plant to drain before placing it back in the decorative pot.
Add plant fertilizer for the Phalaenopsis once per month. For this a special orchid fertilizer can be bought at the garden centre, although normal plant fertilizer will also do.
Flowering
After the flowering prune the branch above the second eye (= node on the branch). If you do this right a new branch will start to develop in a few weeks.