
PHALAENOPSIS HYBRIDS 
MOTH ORCHIDS 
PHALAENOPSIS 
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 herald 
of Spring and have excellent lasting qualities. Often lasting for several months be- 
ginning to open in early February and still flowering 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 ally 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 solutions 
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 
and Boynton Beach on the Gulf Stream 19 
