How to Care for Moth Orchids
Author: Robert Roy
Do you have a knack for being with moths? Most people would say,
"no way". Yet, the moth orchids that I am talking about are the
ones that sway nicely in the breeze and some of the newer
hybrids have a nice fragrance.
These moths
are easy to care for, especially a beginner.
These moths
are found very frequently in
gardens. These are the phalaenopsis orchids. Phalaenopsis
orchids are the one of the easiest orchids to care for in a
home. Their blooms can last up to 3months and there are some of
the most colorful hybrids. Like other orchids they require
light, water, temperature, fertilizer
and humidity. Seems like a
lot but it really isn't The best light is indirect light. It can
be bright but not direct sunlight. If you have a west facing
window sill this will do just fine. Direct sun can damage the
leaves of the moth orchid. Humidity is needed for the moth
orchids. They actually grow in the wild in humid rain forests.
In the warm months it would be nice to mist them every day or
two. They also enjoy a bright bathroom.
Let's look at the temperatures that phals like.
They are an intermediate temperature orchid. This means they like temperatures from 55 to
75 or 80 degrees. As a must, the must be a temperature gradient
of 10 to 15 degrees for at least 14 days in the fall to
stimulate their flower spike.
Moth orchids have no pseudopods to
store water and for this reason they should not completely dry
out. It is fine line to let them nearly dry out and at this
point water them. You should be able to tell by seeing how light
the plant is before you water it. Another way is stick your
finger tip down about an inch into the plant and it should feel
almost dry. It is at this point you should water. Let the water
run through the plant (in the top and out the bottom) for about
20 - 30 seconds. It is important that any orchid plant does not
sit in water because it will get root rot.
fertilize
the plant
twice a month with a week fertilizer solution
. It is recommended
to cut amount of fertilizer recommended by one half. Fertilize
about every other week with a balanced fertilizer except durng
the summer months of growth when you can use a high nitrogen fertilizer.
About the author:
This site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these
wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in
popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good
deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are
wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift.
Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant
will be appreciated for years and years.
================================================================
