Phalaenopsis

The origin of this plant is located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Australia. The phalaenopsis orchid growing in nature especially in trees, without extracting nutrients from the trees. Except in this orchid trees growing in the wild also highly air-permeable soil, such as humus, and on rocks and in rock crevices, often near rivers and streams.

Origin

The genus Phalaenopsis was described in 1825 by the Dutch botanist Dr. CL Blume, who served in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Buitenzorg (now called Bogor) on the island of Java. The story goes that he saw a group of butterflies flutter almost motionless in a tree during one of his trips. This turned out to be orchids, which he later called Phalaenopsis amabilis. Amabilis means sweet. The genus Phalaenopsis means' like a (night) butterfly 'and is derived from the Greek' Phalaina (moth) and "opsis (similar).

Phalaenopsis is available year round at florists and garden centers and sometimes at hardware stores and supermarkets. There are small-flowered varieties, also multiflora called, with many small flowers. Furthermore, there are standard types. There are also large-flowered species grandiflora, with flowers that are great at least ten centimeters. Phalaenopsis comes in the colors white, yellow, pink and purple and there are also species with unusually shaped and drawn flowers.

phalaenopsis care

Put the Phalaenopsis in a light place, but not directly in the sun. When leaves turn yellow, this may be a sign of too much direct sunlight. Furthermore, the Phalaenopsis does not like drafts.

Pour the water on the earth in the pot, not in the heart of the Phalaenopsis. The water must be at room temperature. Give up early in the day water. Better yet is to immerse the pot in a bucket for a few minutes. Let the Phalaenopsis after dipping drain well. In winter, the Phalaenopsis requires less water.

Give the Phalaenopsis 1 time per month supply. Phalaenopsis can grow aerial roots outside the pot. Let these roots just sit, this is a sign that the Phalaenopsis has the right to his liking.

Phalaenopsis feels most comfortable at temperatures between 15 ° C and 25 ° C.

To Phalaenopsis get back in bloom, it is necessary to branch above the second 'eye' to cut. This involves a thickening of the branch. Start counting from the bottom. It is also possible to cut away the entire branch, there may then grow a new branch from a leaf axil. After six months, the orchid can bloom again.

Put the orchid after shearing in a cooler place down. The 'cooling' stimulates new takvorming. After about two months, the orchid can be put back on the old site. Give the Phalaenopsis after shearing less water. If the orchid is put back on the old place back after about two months, may again be given a little more water.

	Caution with sunlight: These plants should not be in the full and direct sun, because the risk of burning. A bright spot where the sun radiates directly is good. A window on the north or a shield from the sun would be fine.
	Dipping 1x per week: A pot with the pot in a bowl of water indicates that prevents this plant to be immersed for a short time (10 minutes) with the root ball in the water. After dipping has to drain the water.
	Nutrition 2x per month: This plant needs a lot of power. Feed once every two weeks is necessary.
	Minimum 15 ° C Maximum 25 ° C: This plant feels in most living rooms at home.
	Pruning, trimming after flowering: The symbol is a pot plant with a trimmer cuts off the flower. Phalaenopsis (and some other plants) may in this way of grooming several times to flourish.
	Not suitable for consumption: These plants are not suitable for consumption by humans and animals.