Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis dark pink
Phalaenopsis dark pink

Phalaenopsis

The Phalaenopsis is a decorative orchid that reminds you of a ballerina. The lush floral branch grows out of a graceful, high stem that hangs elegantly downwards, as more flowers start to bloom.

The flowers, which can be either large or small, often have fascinating patterns. The plants can have one, two or more branches. Some orchids emit a slight fragrance, but most are fragrance-free. What they have in common is their exotic aura, their prolonged blooming and their relatively maintenance-free nature.

Explorers brought the plant back to Western Europe around 1700 from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia.

  •   Properties
    Scientific name
    Phalaenopsis
    Family
    Orchidacea
    Synonyms
    Phalaenopsis
    Origin
    This plant species originates from South-East Asia, the Philippines and Australia. In the wild Phalaenopsis particularly grows in trees without drawing nutrients from the tree. In addition to trees, this orchid also grows wild in heavily aerated soil such
    Meaning
    The name Phalaenopsis means ‘moth’ in Greek, and refers to the shape of the flower.
    Shelf life
    Phalaenopsis will continue to thrive for between 4 and 26 weeks (depending on country of sale, shipping and storage time, ripeness, freshness, the provision of plant food or orchid food and conditions at the consumer).
    Season
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
                           
  •   Care tips florists

    Taking care of the Phalaenopsis in the shop is simple.

    • Give the plant some water once a week.
    • Phalaenopsis requires an environment temperature of at least 12-15°C.
    • During the transport and shift phase, make sure the plant is standing in its case in order to prevent cold damage. Make sure that the flowers cannot get moist due to too high atmospheric humidity or by condensation in the cellophane. 
    • Check the plan for faded flowers and other imperfections.
    • Make sure that it's not positioned in the bright sun, but still receives sufficient sunlight, especially in the winter months. Especially for bought plants which were too immature, bud drop could occur in the winter.
    • Working clean and dry is important to prevent Botrytis.

       

     

     

  •   Care tips consumers
    • Phalaenopsis grows best at a normal room temperature of 18-22 ºC.
    • The plant needs to stand in a light spot. In the winter months the plant can tolerate direct sunlight. In the spring and summer the sun is too bright.
    • The plant does not need a great deal of water: watering once a week is sufficient. Too much water can be damaging.
    • Plant food or special orchid food will ensure that all the buds open and the plant continues to flower for a long time.
    • After flowering cut the stem above the second node. The node is a thickening of the stem and is easily identified. After a while, a new branch will develop from the node. A new bud grows under each leaf, which will also flower. After flowering it is advisable to cut this branch above the second node as well. This will ensure that the plant continues to flower.
    • If the plant cannot be encouraged to flower again, the plant should be placed in a somewhat cooler, light room (15-16 degrees Celsius) for a few months in order to encourage bud formation. The plant will respond as if it is dying, and grows a bud in order to ensure a subsequent generation. During this cold period the plant needs little water. When a new shoot forms, the plant can be put back in the warm room.