
PHALAENOPSIS HYBRIDS 
MOTH ORCHIDS 
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There are few flowers of the Spray type in the Orchid Kingdom that create 
more admiration than the graceful Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid). They are truly 
a hera'd of Spring and have excellent lasting qualitie;. Often lasting for several 
months beginning to open in early February and still f'owering during May and 
June. When the flower spike is cut when nearly open and above the third or fourth 
node (stem joint on the flower spike) it will often throw another secondary spray. 
The flowers can be taken as they open to adorn my ladies’ gown or hair and for 
weeks to come, have fresh flowers, as the remaining buds open. 
Another virtue of the Moth Orchid is its willingness to grow quickly and 
mature earlier than its noble al'y the cattleya. Generally in three to four years a 
seedling will flower with its first spray of 6 to 10 flowers, The record is something 
like 18 months from seed sowing to flowering. Along with its early maturity the 
Moth orchid requires less light and can be grown in shady locations where other 
orchids would not grow and flower. Also it may be hung above other plants to save 
bench space for cattleyas. The only true requisite for fine culture is not to let the 
temperature drop below 62 to 65 in winter at night. The higher figure is the better 
for growth and flowers. 
This is one orchid that will take fertilizing with almost any formula devised 
by man that will not cause burning or dehydration by being too strong. Weak solu- 
tions of liquid dairy manure—blood—sheep manure or what have you, during the 
growing season after repotting and root action has started, will greatly assist this 
robust fleshy leaved orchid. ‘This may be applied once every two weeks or once 
a month until the flower spike shows. Every good Phalaenopsis grower has his own 
pet treatments so you will have to experiment to see which method meets your 
success. When using straight organic fertilizers as above mentioned it is helpful to 
balance the nitrogen by using some superphosphate and potash (wood ashes) in 
the brew. Just remember weak applications often ate better than an over-dose 
once a year. Some growers prefer to use the balanced inorganic formulas that are 
and Boynton Beach on the Gulf Stream re 
