Phalaenopsis – The Easy Orchid

One of six phalaenopses currently blooming in Loretta’s living room.

I always think of February as orchid month. It’s the month when the Victoria Orchid Society holds its annual show and sale (in ‘normal’ years anyway) and when orchids are most typically available at local outlets.

Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) is the genus we most commonly see and grow in our homes. Phals (as they are known in the biz) are the ones with long, arching flower spikes that provide months of uninterrupted bloom. They come in an array of colours and colour combinations, from solids to spots to stripes.

I have a dozen phals, six currently blooming upstairs (three with two spikes and three with one) and six resting downstairs. They are between 3 and 10 years old. Phals are probably the easiest orchid to grow because they are comfortable at normal household temperatures. If their basic requirements are met, they rebloom year after year. (I’m not especially diligent, so, trust me, just about anyone can grow them.)

What they need:

Light: An east-facing window is ideal, but any place with a good amount of light should be fine. Just avoid direct sun from a southern exposure.

Water: Phals like their roots in a damp medium, never in soggy conditions or standing water. Water the medium when it is nearly dry. For me that’s every 2-3 weeks.

Fertilizer: Regular feeding is important. Use a fertilizer designed specifically for orchids.

Medium: Orchid medium deteriorates and should be replaced every 2-3 years. Use a good quality commercial mix and repot when the plant is not flowering.

Try your hand at growing orchids by starting with phalaenopsis. If you have one now, don’t throw it out when the flowers die. Look after it and be patient. New spikes will emerge in a few months, heralding the start of another amazing show.