Orchidview
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Can I Grow Phalaenopsis Indoors?
A: Yes. Phals are perhaps the best orchid for growing indoors.
Their light needs are very similar to African Violets....a sunny
East or South window. They like bright, but not direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight will often burn the tender leaves of a Phalaenopsis.
As for temperature, normal room temperatures (65~78 degrees) are
near ideal. Phals like moist air....heating and air conditioning
systems tend to dry the air somewhat. You can raise the humidity
around your plants by filling a shallow tray or plate with rocks.
Then place the pots on the rocks. Finally fill the tray with
water until it is just BELOW the bottom of the pot. Allowing a
Phal sit in water is a sure way to kill it. Misting may also
be helpful. Of course a greenhouse is the best place to grow
an orchid, but...$$$$$$.
Q:
How Often Should I Water Them?
A: Well that depends on the growing media your Phals are potted in.
Phalaenopsis have been successfully grown in many kinds of potting
media and each media has it's own watering requirements. We
prefer a bark mixture for our mature Phals. Under normal
growing conditions Phals planted in bark or coconut husk chips need
to be watered every 4 to 7 days. If conditions are unusually
dry or hot watering may have to be increased. Our best advice
is not to over water your plants. Phals are better equipped to
tolerate under watering than over watering. The most common
disease problems associated with Phals are from over watering.
Phalaenopsis like to stay evenly moist, but not wet. Keep
water out of the center of the plant to prevent rotting.
Q:
Do You Feed/Fertilize Them Regularly?
A: The general rule of thumb is weekly/weakly. Feed Phalaenopsis
planted in bark type mixtures a half strength solution of 30-10-10
fertilizer. Most other potting media require a balanced
20-20-20 fertilizer.
Q:
Where can I find books about Phalaenopsis orchids?
A: Try the American Orchid Society's Online Bookstore. There
is of course, your local library.
Q: Are orchids hard to
grow?
A: No. They are no more difficult to grow than many popular
flowering plants. Like any plant, an orchid needs water, fertilizer,
light and air. If you grow other ornamental plants either in the
garden or indoors, you can grow orchids.
Q: Aren't orchids tropical
plants?
A: Some are. But every country in the world and every state in the
United States, including Alaska, has orchids.
Q: What do the letters (AM/AOS, HCC/AOS,
etc.) after the plants name mean?
A: These letters indicate an award granted to the plant and by
whom. The letters before the slash are the abbreviation for
the award. The letters after the slash are the organization
that granted the award. HCC: Highly Commended
Certificate, the flower scored from 75 to 79 points on a 100-point
scale. AM: Award of Merit, the flower scored from 80 to 89
points on a 100-point scale. FCC: First Class Certificate, the
flower scored 90 points or more on a 100-point scale.
AQ: Award of Quality, award given for superior quality
of an entire cross not just an single cultivar. AOS: American
Orchid Society. RHS: The Royal Horticultural Society.
Q:
Are Phalaenopsis Addictive.
A: Extremely! If you find your self constantly thinking about,
dreaming about or craving more and more Phals.,....it is best to
seek professional counseling. I have heard that some people
have actually been cured.