BLOG: The Phalaenopsis

Difficult to maintain or not?

What’s the story with the famous Phalaenopsis, also known as the butterfly orchid? Some think that the Phalaenopsis is difficult to maintain, others find it a very easy houseplant. The Phalaenopsis is one of the most popular indoor plants. A real must-have. That is why we explain how you should treat the Phalaenopsis.

Why do people call it the butterfly orchid? The flower reminds people of a butterfly. The botanical name Phalaenopsis has the same origin: Phalaena is Greek for ‘ Butterfly ‘ or ‘ moth ‘ and opsis means ‘looks like ‘

The Phalaenopsis is an orchid. Orchids grows almost everywhere on this world. There are more than 30,000 species! Most are found in the tropics and subtropics. The flower of each orchid is built up the same way. The orchid flower is made up of three sepals and three petals. The middle petal has a different form. This is called the lip. This is used as a platform for insects to easily reach the centre of the flower.

The Phalaenopsis thrives at a temperature of 18-22 degrees, yet it should not be placed in direct sunlight which can burn the leafs. 

Only water the Phalaenopsis once a week by dipping it into a bowl of watter. The Phalaenopsis does not like wet feet, make sure that no excess water is left in the flower pot. This way you enjoy its beautiful flowers for an exceptional long time.

Hass the Phalaenopsis eventually finished flowering and the plant itself is very much alive? It is easy to make it produce flowers again! Cut the branch above the second ‘eye ‘ (a ring-shaped thickening in the branch). Put the Phalaenopsis on a slightly cooler place, such as a bright spot in a bedroom and just pay it less attention, only water once every 3 weeks. Most likely the  Phalaenopsis will surprise you with new flowerbuds.

So, the phalaenopsis… a difficult plant? Not at all!! This beautiful orchid is easy to care of, stylish and very enjoyable!


Publicado el: 11 agosto 2016