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 may still be 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 higer 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 with some shade 
from direct sun. Put a large metal tray or cake tin filled with pebbles and water on 
the windowsill. Put an inverted 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 monthly with weak solutions of any liquid fertilizer 
during the growing season. We recommend Wilson's Orchid Fertilizer and Ortho-Gro 
fish emulsion, used alternately. 
Sponge the plants 2-3 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 may carry scale and mealybugs onto the plants. Use Malathion for soft shell 
scale and Ortho-Cide for leaf spotting. 
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. Use light brown osmunda bits and poultry-feed granite (turkey size). 
PHALAENOPSIS DORIS VAR. REBECCA AM-AOS 
66 Greenhouses at Mandarin on the St. Johns River 
