Phalaenopsis: "No Better
Orchid for Beginners"

The following advice is courtesy of the American Orchid Society, 6000 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33405, whose Executive Director Lee S. Cooke writes that "we hope to dispel one final myth about orchids—that they are difficult to grow. Like any plant, orchids require care. But they respond favorably, even eagerly, to proper treatment and reward their caretakers by blooming luxuriantly for, at times, weeks and months on end."

The season for phalaenopsis - the moth orchid - is at its peak. There is no better orchid for beginners! The long-lasting, beautiful moth-like blooms are borne on strong, slightly arching spikes that provide elegant accent to almost any home decor. Anyone who looks at either design or architecture magazines has seen these plants featured prominently in the most sophisticated settings.

Thanks to their ease and a rapidity of culture, growers are finding phalaenopsis to be the ideal entree into the burgeoning orchid pot-plant market. Not only are these plants easy for the producer, they are especially long-lasting and affordable for the consumer, giving "value-plus" merchandising appeal. Retailers will want to display the plants in a warm, well-ventilated area that is adequately provided with light. Keeping plants evenly moist will ensure maximum shelf life. Consumers can follow the same basic regimen for maximum display life, though once at home, lower light levels are acceptable until blooms are past.

One more aspect of the "value-plus" in phals is their delightful habit of reblooming off older flowering spikes. Do not remove old flower spikes and most often, one or even two branches will appear, with the promise of more blooms in eight to 12 weeks. More real value comes when the blooms have faded. No other orchid is easier to maintain and to rebloom. Simply grow in the home under African violet conditions (warm, bright light, even moisture and regular feeding) and be prepared for more flowers the next season. Despite their relatively new status in the general flowering plant market, phalaenopsis have been bred for many generations to produce lovely and satisfactory floral displays. Additionally, there is a wealth of cultural information available from a variety of sources.

Late Summer 1996
Cover Crops | Tomato Problems | Annual White Grub Homeowner Control Options | Phalaenopsis: "No Better Orchid for Beginners" | Bug Bites | Lawn Care Calendar | To A Violet | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | OTC Hearburn Drug | Food Safety Checklist |Healthy Cooking: Cabbage | Nutrition Facts: Meal Planning 101 (Part 3 of 3) | Health and Household Tips | Did You Know?

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