Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis is a genus in the family Orchidaceae (orchids) comprised of approximately 50 to 60 species, not including either over 50 man-made hybrid plants or at least 10 natural hybrids that include Phalaenopsis species in their lineage.http://www.phals.net/index_e.html These plants originate from tropical areas of northern Australia throughout eastern Asia and grow in altitidues from sea level to 1000 feet above sea level. Plants of this genus are either epiphytic or (rarely) lithophytic and exhibit a monopodial growth habit. Species of this genus can be further classified into two groups; one group of plants produces a long inflorescence with large, rounded blooms in varying shades of pink and white, while the other group of plants have shorter stems and waxy-looking, brightly colored blooms.

Because their ideal growing conditions closely resemble a home environment, many species of these Phalaenopsis orchids have become popular as house plants, with flowers lasting for three months or longer. Commonly kept types include the Moon Orchid and the Moth Orchid.http://www.clanorchids.com/culture/phalcult.htm

Phalaenopsis orchids prefer a high-humidity, shady to low-lit environment with good air circulation and temperatures ranging from about 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants are susceptible to root rot and therefore require a growing medium that provides adequate drainage. They begin to flower when daily temperatures drop by several degrees Fahrenheit.http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/57/15/4043

Phalaenopsis orchids are most commonly used as houseplants; they can be used to decorate and to beautify the home environment. Flowers from the plants can be pressed, dried, and/or used in various crafts.

Phalaenopsis orchids will grow well in almost any type of well-draining pot or basket with attention paid to how the particular plant behaves in its particular container. The most commonly used types of potting materials for these orchids are orchid fir bark and sphagnum moss, though various materials have been used successfully, including peat moss, perlite, cork pieces, charcoal, lava rock, coconut fiber, osmunda fiber, and nut shells, as well as mixtures containing any of these materials. Different gardeners cite different advantages and disadvantages regarding the use of different materials.

Phalaenopsis orchids will require a support of some type or another, especially when flowering.http://www.orchidsusa.com/2APotting.htm

Phalenopsis orchids may scorch under direct sunlight. These plants will grow well on a windowsill that receives mostly indirect sunlight, though they will also grow and flower under special, artificial lighting fixtures.

The ideal temperature in which to grow Phalenopsis orchids ranges from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Phalenopsis orchids begin to flower when daily temperatures drop by approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants begin to suffer when temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, stressing the plant and leaving it more susceptible to pests and diseases.http://www.orchidsusa.com/cultureguide.html

Humidity should be kept at or around 50%, though the plants will gradually adapt to slightly drier or slightly more humid conditions. These orchids should be watered in the morning with clean water every 4 to 7 days. Care should be taken to avoid allowing water to sit on the leaves. Roots should be kept moist, but should not be allowed to sit in water.http://www.orchidweb.com/phalcare.aspx

Phalaenopsis plants should be fertilized using a non-urea based fertilizer at half strength approximately once per week. The fertilizer used should match the potting medium.http://www.clanorchids.com/culture/phalcult.htm

Ideally, Phalaenopsis should be repotted once each year.

The flower spike of Phalaenopsis orchids should be cut back when the plant is no longer flowering to allow for new growth. The spike should be allowed to dry before being broken off at its base.http://www.clanorchids.com/culture/phalcult.htm

Because Phalaenopsis orchids are most commonly used as houseplants, pests are typically not a problem unless plants are summered outdoors. When insect or arachnid pests are discovered, it's best to identify the pest, remove as many as possible from the plant, and then, if necessary, treat the plant with the appropriate insecticide.

These plants are susceptible to fungal infections, especially if the plant is allowed to sit in water, and when nighttime temperatures are cooler. When present, these infections can be treated with an appropriate fungicide, though infections can be prevented with proper care and culture.

Rarely will these plants exhibit a viral infection, but when a viral infection is discovered, the only thing left to do is to destroy the plant.http://www.orchidsusa.com/8Pests.htm