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What Makes Phalaenopsis Orchids So Popular?

March 12, 2019

Orchid lovers are passionate about their plants. They may have many different types of orchids (there are over 30,000 to choose from), or they might prefer one in particular.  And Phalaenopsis orchids happen to be among the most popular varieties.

In fact, we grow more than eight million of them each year at our greenhouse in Oberlin, Ohio!

Here are just a few reasons why they're so well-loved. 

Phalaenopsis Orchids Look Like Moths In Flight

National-Orchid-Day-closeup

Phalaenopsis orchids got their name from the Latin words “phal,” meaning moth, and “opsis,” meaning appearance. Charles Ludwig de Blume (or Karl Ludwig von Blume), the German-Dutch botanist who named them, reportedly thought they looked like moths in flight. 

That's why even today, you'll hear some people refer to Phalaenopsis orchids as "moth orchids." 

Phalaenopsis Orchids Are Elegant

orchid-decor

One distinguishing feature of Phalaenopsis orchids is their dramatic appearance. A single flower spike can produce many beautiful blooms in a long arch. 

The effect is simple, yet stunning. This makes these tropical plants ideal for wedding centerpieces, as well as office or home decor. 

Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors to suit any style! 

Phalaenopsis Orchids Are Easy To Care For

4-icecube-watering

Phalaenopsis orchids don't need much to thrive—just a little sunlight and water once a week. Watering them is as easy as dropping in a few ice cubes

This makes them ideal for first-time plant parents—even your friend who claims she can't keep anything alive in her apartment. 

They Last A Long Time...

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With proper care, Phalaenopsis orchids can keep their blooms for two to three months. That's pretty amazing when you consider most cut flowers only last a few days and outdoor perennials may only last a month or two, depending on the type and weather conditions. 

And They Can Even Rebloom

orchid-reblooming

We all love a good comeback, whether it's our favorite athlete returning to their hometown team or our favorite singer releasing a groundbreaking new album after years away from the spotlight.

Phalaenopsis orchids will make a comeback, too, if you're patient enough to wait for it. 

Once their blooms fall off, these orchids go into a "resting" period that usually lasts about six to nine months. During this time, the orchid is storing up the energy it needs to grow again. You can encourage reblooming by following a few simple steps:

  1. When your orchid stops blooming, begin fertilizing it every other week with a balanced houseplant fertilizer (20-20-20) mixed at half strength. Do not water your orchid on the weeks you fertilize it. 
  2. Move your orchid to a cooler environment where nighttime temperatures are between 55 and 65 degree F. until a new flower spike emerges.
  3. Return your plant to its usual location and continue watering with 3 ice cubes once a week.

It's easy to see why Phalaenopsis orchids are so popular. They're beautiful, unique and their care couldn't be easier. 

Don’t believe us? Bring one home today!

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