Phalaenopsis is the most popular variety of orchids grown at home. The flower has long won the love of florists around the world for its beautiful, unusual flowers and ease of care. The Phalaenopsis orchid has been known to science for over 250 years. As an indoor flower it has been cultivated since the 19th century.
Botanical description
Orchid Phalaenopsis is a herbaceous low plant with a short dense stem, broad, alternate leaves, a well-developed aerial root system, and beautiful, large flowers on long, flexible pedicels.
The flower is an epiphyte, meaning that in the wild it lives not on the ground, but on tree trunks and branches, receiving nutrients through its aerial roots.
Plant structure
Roots
The plant has a well-developed system of aerial roots. Since Orchid Phalaenopsis is an epiphyte, it does not need the usual soil for house flowers, but a special substrate. The fact is that the root system of the plant needs a lot of air to develop the plant.
The roots branch out and are usually on top of the pot, sometimes sprawling over the window sill or table. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must make sure that the roots do not get into the pots with other plants.
Old, blackened roots need to be cut back.
Leaves
The leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid are large, leathery, elongated and rounded toward the tip. They grow from the root rosette. They curl downward as the plant develops. The color of the leaf plates is bright green.
Orchid leaves require special care.
- First, the lower leaves need to be trimmed as they die off.
- Secondly, dust should not be allowed to accumulate on the leaf plates.
- Thirdly, twice a week the leaves should be wiped with a damp cloth or sprayed with a sprayer.
Flowers
The orchid blooms with brush-like inflorescences on long peduncles. The number of flower stalks varies depending on the species.
The flowers look like a butterfly. The petals are large, oval. A special feature is the presence of a labellum, an additional petal that hangs downward and differs in color from the rest of the petals.
The flowers themselves vary in size from 2 to 15 cm.
The coloring of the petals is striking in its variety. There are specimens with monochromatic coloring, but the most interesting varieties are those with variegated petals. Chaotically arranged spots, dots and lines create a unique pattern.
IMPORTANT! How many flowers grow on your Orchid depends solely on your skill and quality of care.
Home of the Phalaenopsis orchid
Under natural conditions, the Orchid grows in the tropics of Southeast Asia and Northeast Australia. The plant was first discovered in eastern Indonesia.
Superstitions and omens about the Phalaenopsis orchid
Over the many years of growing at home, the Orchid has become surrounded by many legends and superstitions. Here are some of them:
- It is a feminine plant, enhances the attractiveness of the hostess.
- Fights with negative energy in the house, protects against the evil eye.
- Strengthens efficiency, helps to combat procrastination.
- Yellow varieties attract money in the house.
- There is a negative superstition associated with the flower. It is considered a “vampire” and mugger. It is not advised to breed the plant to single girls, and also to put it in any bedrooms, boys’ rooms, men’s workrooms.
In our store Viva Orchids of Boca Raton you can buy orchid arrangements of the highest quality, which will be a worthy decoration of your interior. These exotic flowers will also be the perfect gift for your loved ones who you want to congratulate on their birthdays, March 8, Mother’s Day, weddings or any other celebration, or just to make a nice surprise.
Order unique orchid arrangements from Viva Orchids by calling 561-507-0073 or 347-210-6993, or place your order on our website at vivaorchids.com.
We provide hand delivery of orchid arrangements to Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Parkland, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and nearby cities. And if you want to order for someone, we’ll deliver the arrangements to the right address at the right time.