Abbreviation: Phal
Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchid, is native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are called moth orchids because when in bloom, the spray of flowers looks like a swarm of butterflies or moths.
Phals are shade loving plants, and do fine with little or no direct sun. A bright east window is ideal.
75*-85* F. in the day, and 60* F. at night. Several weeks of night time temperatures at 55* F. help initiate flower spikes.
Phals have no pseudobulbs to store water, so plants should only dry slightly between waterings. Humidity should be 50%-80%.
Fertilize with 1/4 strength fertilizer with every watering during active growth. Once a month in winter.
Plants bloom late winter to early spring with six to twelve pink, white, yellow, red, spotted, or striped flowers. Individual flowers may last several weeks, and a plant may be in bloom more than half the year. If the plant is strong and healthy, once the first set of flowers fade, the flower spike may be cut just above the last node to get another spike of flowers.
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