Plant Care Blog

Tips for Welcoming a New Orchid Plant into Your Home

When you bring a new Phalaenopsis orchid plant into your home, you’ll want to give it a little tender loving care to help it adjust to its new home. If you already have a collection of orchids, you’ll want to keep your new plant isolated for a...

Use Phalaenopsis Judging Criteria to Pick a Winning Plant

The stunning sight of a Phalaenopsis orchid in full bloom is nothing less than breathtaking. Their huge, curving petals saturated with color; double rows of gorgeous blooms march along gracefully arching stalks that rise Phoenix-like from a loose...

How Did 'Moth' Orchids Get Their Name?

Phalaenopsis amabilis orchids were first described as a species in 1753 by Swedish botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus, the “Father of Modern Taxonomy.” Referencing their native tree-dwelling habitat and pleasing appearance, Linnaeus called them...

Orchid Pests: Whiteflies and How to Get Rid of Them

If you see dotting of white on the underside of your orchid’s leaves, you’ve got trouble in the form of a whitefly infestation.

Watch Out for Aphids on Your Orchids

Though they have a reputation for hardiness, phalaenopsis orchids are not immune to damage from insect life. Aphids, in particular, are tenacious “sucking” orchid pests that attach themselves to the underside of the leaves, feeding on the plant sap...

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Orchid Pests: Thrips Can Spell Trouble

Imagine: One day you notice your orchids looking discolored or deformed. A closer inspection reveals a disturbing surprise: thrips have taken up residence.

Famous Orchid Collectors Throughout History

Orchid clubs, societies and special-interest groups abound, with orchid collectors finding kindred spirits and plenty of opportunity for feedback—especially online. But throughout history, orchid collectors worked in a...

A Visit to the Orchid Collection at the U.S. Botanic Garden

Though Washington, D.C. is known mostly for its cherry blossoms, the district fell under the spell of orchids this past spring. That’s when the U.S. Botanic Garden, at the foot of Capitol Hill, presented its annual...