Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most common flowers among many enthusiasts since they happen to be much easier to grow. If you are looking for one that will produce beautiful and amazing blooms every single year then you will want to grow these extraordinary flowers.
Although these plants maybe much easier to grow than any other of its species, there are some simple basics to cultivating these plants that you will need to acquire to get the most amazing and colorful blooms in your neighborhood.
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Looking For These Plants Under a Different Name
Sometimes if you try looking for these flowers in garden shops you may not see them because they are usually under a different name. Most enthusiasts call them “Moth Orchids” because of the shape of its flowers and resemble the wings of a moth.
You can find these plants in most greenhouses as well as garden outlets because they are the most commonly grown flower that many beginners tend to start with and for good reason. It’s always good to start out with an easy plant and once you gain the proper knowledge that is needed, then you can then move on to more difficult ones.
Humidity Levels
Every type including these require an adequate amount of humidity. They are normally found among rain forests where the humidity is very high and this is what they need to thrive correctly.
Make sure that the environment you place them in has at least 80% humidity levels for exact care that these flowers need. During the summer months you shouldn’t have to add any humidity in the atmosphere, but when the cold dry months come around this may be a different story. Using a humidifier is one way to increase moisture in the air.
If you don’t have a humidifier you can use a tray that has stones or gravel and then place water in the tray making sure the gravel is not being covered. Place your plants on top and this will enhance the moisture in the air. Use this strategy to reach the appropriate moisture levels that are needed.
Sunlight
All orchids cannot withstand too much direct sunlight and Phalaenopsis flowers are no different. You need to make sure that your flowers are not exposed to direct sunlight for too long. If you are placing your plants in the window sill it is recommended to place a cloth in front of them to filter out much of the bright sunshine.
If you don’t have any windows or enough sunlight in your home you can always use artificial light. The best types of artificial light are fluorescent light bulbs. These will not allow your leaves to get burned and will give them the proper amount of light needed for healthy plants.
Temperature
Temperature is another critical element in phalaenopsis care and needs to be used efficiently in order for your plants to flourish. The temperature that your moth orchids must be exposed to is 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are placing your flowers outside you need to make certain that the temperature does not fall below 60 degrees.
Phalaenopsis care requires that you don’t expose them to temperature lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your plants in their proper temperature ranges and you will have beautiful blooms in no time.
Watering
The most important element to any type of plant including these is watering. Over-watering and under-watering these plants should be avoided when caring for them. They will tolerate dry conditions much more than wet or damp conditions. To make sure that your plants are not too damp you can dry out the medium so that the top of the soil is dry to the touch.
Once this occurs you can then apply a small amount of water to keep the soil moist but not damp. During the winter time it may take a while for the soil to dry so you can do less frequent watering of these flowers. Using this watering technique can ultimately produce beautiful and wonderful flowers that will last for years to come.