Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
 

The Phalaenopsis orchid is a plant that grows in the tropics. It is particularly found in the tropical regions of Australia and South-east Asia. Phalaenopsis usually grows on trees, but also on airy soil (humus), on rocks or in crevices. That is why we produce the potted Phalaenopsis Orchid in chunks of  tree-bark, to resemble the plant's natural environment. If you would like to find them growing wild, your best chance would be in the vicinity of brooks and rivers.

 Phalaenopsis belongs to the plant group of epiphytes, “air plants” which grow on other plants but without taking nutrients from their “host”. Phalaenopsis lives on nutrients left by birds on the tree-stump and on nutrients carried by rainwater. Since Phalaenopsis must be able to easily collect the nutrients, its roots are very sensitive which is both its strength and its weakness. It does not need much nutrition to flower, but if the roots are over abundantly digesting nutrients they will burn, rot or die off. Overwatering is the number one mistake made in caring for Phalaenopsis Orchids. The roots need air and won’t be able to breath when they are sitting in water. So when watering, always make sure any excess water is drained out of the pot.

Phalaenopsis is also known as the butterfly orchid. “Phalaen” is Latin for butterfly and “op sis” means “resembles” or “looks like”. The plant derives this name from the shape of its flowers which resemble a butterfly.

There are many species available in the plant family Orchidaceae. But the Phalaenopsis Orchid is so valuable because of the many colour variations, it’s long flowering time, the year round availability and its never out of style elegance and beauty!