Phalaenopsis sp. - Orchid

Phalaenopsis                      

fay-lay-NOP-sis

Common Names: Moon Orchid, Moth Orchid, Phal Orchid

Family: Orchidaceae

Origin: Tropical Asia, NE Australia

Growth: Clumping

Light: Bright, filtered

Foot Candles: 125 - 225

Water: When dry

Humidity: 45% - 70%

Temperature: 16°C - 26°C

Soil: Epiphytic / orchid mix 

Container: Orchid pot, mounted to wood

Nutrients: Orchid foliage mist spray 

Propagation: Seed or division

Interiorscape Use: Seasonal colour, desktop plant

Common Pests: Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider Mites, Scale, Thrips.

Common Issues: Root rot when overwatered. Flowers once per year and some may find plant unattractive when not in bloom.

Comments: High quality flowers are available in the entire colour spectrum, except true blue. The most widely grown orchid for use as a houseplant. The aerial roots can photosynthesise, producing a green colour near the tips from chlorophyl production. While often recommended by plant tags, placing a cube of ice is not a good idea for watering orchids, as these plants are native to areas where ice is not present and the cold temperate could damage the plant. 

Toxicity: Safe.