The Dutch botanist who first saw this plant thought that exotic butterflies were sitting on the thin branches. The name “phalaenopsis” comes from Greek and means “resembling a night moth.” The exquisite flowers of the flowerpot come in a variety of colors: white, soft pink, purple, light green and red, thus resembling tropical butterflies.
© OrchidScene
This plant is common in the tropical forests of Australia and Southeast Asia. It is also called the orchid that grows on trees. Phalaenopsis aerial roots, which contain chlorophyll, absorb light energy. Therefore, it is useful to grow the plant in transparent or wicker pots filled with bark. Phalaenopsis should never be planted in the ground. The plant is well adapted to indoor conditions. With proper care, it can bloom three times a year and live up to seven years.
© flower bee
The flowerpot is not very demanding. It needs approximately the same conditions throughout the year. The room temperature should be at least 18 degrees, although sometimes it can be lowered by another 2 degrees to stimulate flowering. Phalaenopsis should be watered moderately, especially in winter. The air near the plant can be sprayed with warm water, but be careful not to let it get on the petals: this can lead to illness. Phalaenopsis loves a warm place, but without direct sunlight. In winter, artificial lighting can be used. Various fungal infections can result from improper care. This orchid should be replanted once every two years into a larger pot. In summer, the substrate should be fertilized twice a month. The plant reproduces with so-called “babies” that appear on the stem. They are transplanted into separate pots when the roots reach five centimeters.
If you want to see beautiful butterflies in your home that will give you a sense of a fairy tale, get yourself a phalaenopsis.
© flower bee
