Phalaenopsis are probably the most popular orchid around today, sold in Garden centres and Supermarkets, and often referred to as Moth Orchids.

Of course whilst these orchids can be often sold at cheap price, the better ones are sold by specialist orchid nurseries such as orchids by Peter White, where care has been taken to select only the best clones and plants often collected directly from the specialist phalaenopsis nurseries on the continent, and shipped across carefully ensuring that the plants are not exposed to unsuitable temperatures at all times.

Phalaenopsis Cultural Requirements

Phalaenopsis orchids require warm growing conditions to do best, the temperature should never day or night, be allowed to drop below 58 deg f -- ideally not below 60deg f --

They love the warmth, but in nature are shaded from the direct rays of the sun, so a position of around 70/80 shade is required, this can be acheived in the home, by placing them behind a net curtain for instance.

Watering should be done just as the compost is drying out, so in summer, that could be every 4 or 5 days, and in winter perhaps only once a week or so, but remember, the air conditions around them will dictate how fast the compost dries out. Here is a tip for the home grower, place a lollypop stick in the compost and when you are thing about watering take it out to see if its damp, if it is, wait for a while.

How to repot a Phalaenopsis

Firstly, make sure that you have the correct potting compost,which should be slightly damp before you begin, ordinary compost just will not do, it has to be Orchid Compost suitable for Phalaenopsis, take the link in the side panel for orchid sundries if you need to purchase some.

Take the plant and gently tease it out of the pot, remove any old compost from around the roots, and look for damaged or dead roots, these should be removed with a sterile pair of scissors etc.,

Choose a pot of suitable size, for Phalaenopsis a clear pot is a good idea, it lets the roots have some light, and you can also seen whats going on as the season progresses, often they will go back into the same pot, Phalaensopsi like all orchids do not like to be over potted, put some compost inthe bottom af the pot, and holding the plant roughly in a position in the pot where the base of the leaves will sit just above the compost when you have finished, begin to put compost around the roots, when you think you have got enough compost in the pot, gently tap the sides and you will probably be able to get more in.

The odd space around the roots is beneficial, as orchid roots like to have a good air circulation around them.