How To Grow Phalaenopsis 
There are few spray orchids that are more beautiful than the Phalaenopsis (Moth 
Orchid). Flowers begin to open in early February and because of their long lasting 
qualities are still flowering during May and June. The individual flowers may be 
cut as they open to be worn as corsages. 
Phalaenopsis grow quickly and mature earlier than Cattleyas. Generally in 3 to 4 
years a seedling will make its first spray of 3 to 10 flowers. They require less light 
and can be grown in shady locations where other orchids will not flower. Or they 
can be hung above the bench to save space. The two important things are temper- 
ature and water. The higher the temperature the better the growth. It should not be 
below 62 or 65° at night in winter. Spray plants every morning and water thoroughly 
in pots every 4 to 5 days. Always water before noon and do not let water stand in 
crown, which causes rot. To be safe, hang pots at an angle so water runs out of 
crown. Continue same watering schedule when plants are in bloom but don't wet 
the flowers. 
When growing Phalaenopsis indoors set in east or south window. Put a large 
metal tray or cake tin filled with pebbles and water on the windowsill. Put an in- 
verted pot in the center and put plant on top of pot. Moisture from tray rises around 
plant, yet plant is not directly in the water. 
Phalaenopsis may be fed with weak solutions of any liquid fertilizer during the 
growing season. We recommend Wilson's Orchid Fertilizer. They have few pests. 
Sponge plants 2 or 3 times per year with any mild insecticide such as Wilson's Super- 
Cide to control scale. Dust ground and benches with Chlordane to control ants, which 
carry scale and mealybuags onto the plants. 
Phalaenopsis may be repotted after flowering every year or every second year. 
They do well in almost any type of container—baskets, clay pots, bamboo or cypress 
rafts, coconut husks or tree fern blocks. They do not need to be potted as firmly as 
Cattleyas. Put charcoal and crocks throughout the osmunda to insure drainage and 
aeration, and use a bit of sohagnum moss on surface to hold moisture. Light brown 
osmunda mixed with some dark is a good medium. 
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