From The Monday Garden
March 30, 2003, issue 53
This article has been updated and replaced by MOTHS (PHALAENOPSIS):THE EASIEST HOUSE ORCHID, with lots of new pictures, I hope you enjoy it,
Sue
picutre: The orchid the Kevin gave me in 2001, blooming in 2003. See the new article for its picture in 2005.
Photo credits: Sue Sweeney © Sue Sweeney 2002, 2003
Comments (1)
Answer to a question received about a phalaenopsis purchased from a discount chain for $25 in a 10-inch pot, with 3 flower stalks:
The biggest concern, I think, with mass-produced orchids, which could be what you have, is that the plants are often pushed into bloom so fast that, even with ideal care, they won't bloom again for years and aren't worth the shelf space.
If that's what you have, I'd advise treating the plant like cut flowers and just prolonging the blooms as long as you can by keeping them as cool as possible. Water sparingly. When the flowers are done, toss.
How to tell? A 10" pot is big for a phalaenopsis. Do you really have one plant that deserves a pot that size? Are there three flower stalks coming from the same plant or did they crowd three plants in one pot? Even if it's only one plant, it may be grossly over-potted to make it look more impressive. Once the flowering's over, turn it out of the pot and take a look. Also, take a look at the leaves. The over-pushed ones tend to be lighter colored and thinner.
If it looks like a keeper, don't let it bloom longer than six week or you'll wear it out.
Advanced culture care sheets can be found on the site the Greater New York Orchid Society www.gnyos.org. Look in the lower right of the
home page. Sue
Posted by Sue Sweeney | February 27, 2005 2:42 PM
Posted on February 27, 2005 14:42