The explosion of colors in this post comes as a surprise. I visited the flower shop today because I wanted to buy myself a succulent that I saw a couple of days ago when I passed by this place. In the end, I didn't buy the plant I went for, because the flowers on it were already starting to wither. I think it is better to wait for my Kalanchoe to bring the flowers, I will have patience. But, once I was there, I went deeper into the flower shop to look around a little more. Then I saw all this beauty. Lots of orchids, and the blue one caught my attention the most
I have just one orchid at home, a smaller white Phalaenopsis. I got it last year for my birthday, and after a bit more than a year, it is still doing well, in its first flowerpot that came with. I was thinking of planting it into another, bigger one, but finally decided not to do it. Also, I watched some tutorials on how to grow them healthy and there were stated that they don't need a too big pot. Another important piece of information I got is that Phalaenopsis should be grown in a transparent flowerpot as the roots need light to do photosynthesis. They grow and stick around the branches of the trees in the natural environment and search for water from rain. They have natural light, so it is important to have a similar environment in our homes too, the transparent recipient. Also, we should have in the pot a piece of wood, pine bark, or other material that allows easy drainage and support of the plant.
Browsing more about the origins of this plant I found out from where the name Phalaenopsis comes. It comes from two words, Phalaena, which means butterfly, and Opsis, which states for resemblance. This name was given by the botanist C. L. Blume, some two centuries ago. The plant itself is native to the tropical parts of Asia, Australia, and Africa, and the Philippines.
I have to admit that I was not aware of some of the basic care that this plant needs. For example the watering. I have my Phalaenopsis on the balcony with my succulents, and I give them water once a week. My orchid has the same treatment, but I see that it should maybe need water twice a week during the hot season, and use mineral water instead of tap water. Also, I should check if there is waterlogging in the pot and if yes, drain the excess water.
I think the light that is provided to my plant is good. I have it on the balcony, as I already mentioned, but not on the direct sun. Why I can have it during the whole year outside, is because the lowest temperatures are around 10 grades of Celsius in the protected area of the terrace. The highest temperatures for having in good shape a Phalaenopsis should not be more than 23 or 24 grades, and only during the summer, it happens that it exceeds the recommended temperature. Then I can bring it inside of the apartment. However, this summer I was not here. All the plants were outside and all survived the two months of 30 grades, even the orchid.
One of the questions I dont know is what to do with the stem when the flowers are gone. So, I see that there is no correct or incorrect answer, as the opinions are divided. One says that we should cut the floral rod when it runs out from flowers as it would make the plant grow a new rod with fresh flowers. But also, there is the opposite opinion. We should leave it and if the rod dries up then we can cut it. If it doesn't dry, new flowers will come from that stem. So I never cut the rods, and after some time, they always bring new flowers. some dries and those I remove. So, if anyone reads this, and has more experience, what is better? Leave the rods or cut them after the flowers dry?
After seeing all these different colors and shapes of the flowers, I can not decide which one I should also have at my home. I loved the mini versions too, but the giant ones are soo pretty too. The blue ones, I definitely like that one, but yes, all the other as well. So, some purchase has to be done and bring home a new plant. What we should have in mind when buying a phalaenopsis is to check the leaves and roots to be without dried edges ( although they can be saved if in that condition with proper hydration) and not to have brown or black spots on the leaves. After bringing it home, of course, we should take care to meet the basic needs of the plant, light, water, temperature, and love to them. Maybe some music they can receive too :))
