Phalaenopsis is the orchid you will most often see at big box stores, and in grocery stores. They are beautiful, and the flowers last a very long time - up to 3 months - if the plant survives. After the initial bloom finishes, do not cut off the bloom stem, sometimes it branches and puts on a second flush of bloom. They may grow and bloom in your home for years with a little care. Very sensitive to a change in environment, though, and often going from the store to your home is enough of a change to cause many buds to drop. If your plant was in bloom when it was bought, it may have been forced to bloom out of its regular season, springtime.

The mass-produced plants from the box and grocery stores are often potted in a wad of wet sphagnum moss and/or an unvented pot. The moss is good for transport of the plants from the grower to the store, but bad for long-term survival of the plant once you buy it, as it will tend to stay too wet and cause the plant's roots to rot. These (and most) orchids do need their roots to "breathe," and although they like their foliage to be misted daily, the roots must dry out between waterings. So if the plant begins to show wrinkled leaves, or if it drops its flowers, this may be the cause. Re-potting into a proper orchid medium -- a Phalaenopsis mix is best -- and a vented pot or basket is recommended after blooming is finished.

Many people simply throw out the plant once the flowers finish, or if the plant starts to show signs of stress. This is a waste when the plant has taken at least 2 years to reach blooming size. Also a shame because very often they will recover and become wonderful houseplants for years to come with a little care. If you don't have the patience to revive a stressed Phal, you can very likely find someone else who will give it a chance.

Reply to this comment

Most commonly called Moth Orchid. An epiphytic orchid that has thick, leathery leaves, rather flat and extending about 1 foot, and no pseudobulbs. The beautiful spray of flowers can reach about 3 ft., in colors from white, yellow, and lavender to pink and purple. It blooms in the spring for me. There is a very wide array of colors, and some are spotted or barred, or even have contrasting lips. These do well in warmer growing conditions -- 60F - 70F at night and 70F - 85F during the day -- but mine seem to be doing extremely well outside, with our days hitting as high as 97F this summer. They will not tolerate the sun. Light must be filtered and they don't like to dry out either. Moisture, higher humidity, is a must. I find that I spray/mist them about every couple of days.

Reply to this comment

Observe your plant: it may prefer partial sun over shade. Some people recommend shade for Phalaenopsis orchids, but I have mine in partial sun. I got one as a gift approx 8 months ago. Initially, I placed it on a shelf above my bathroom window because of the shade and humidity, but it didn't like it there and dropped all of its flowers. I moved it to the kitchen windowsill above the sink and it has grown two leaves since then. I'm hoping it'll flower in a few months since it seems to be happy at its current location. Also, set a watering schedule. I have mine double potted and water every 2 weeks or so depending on how moist the medium is.

Reply to this comment