Phalaenopsis Orchids – Twenty-one Interesting and Little Known Facts and Factoids

Here are some interesting facts (and factoids) about the Phalaenopsis Orchid that you may not know

. For instance, did you know:

Their blooms resemble moths or butterflies, and because of this, the phalaenopsis orchid, or phal orchid, is often called the "moth orchid."

There are currently over 60 known species of phal orchids in existence, and maybe even more since this article was published!

They are available in standard sizes or in miniature sizes. The miniatures, at maturity, only stand 12 14 inches tall.

Phal orchids' native habitats are in the Philippines and Australia as well as the Himalayas. Obviously this beauty is extremely adaptable!

Standard phalaenopsis blooms range in size from 2" to nearly 5" in diameter.

They come in a large array of colors including white, pink, yellow and purple. Blooms are often striped or spotted.

Moth orchids are very fragrant.

Flowers grow in sprays and last for weeks and even months after they first appear.

They continue to flower, branching from old stems until it uses up all its energy and dies.

Phal orchid leaves are also attractive they're shiny and darker than most orchid leaves.

Whereas most orchids should only be repotted every two years, the phal can be repotted every year.

They do well with a low level of light e.g., two-40 watt florescent lamps or an east-facing windowsill will work miracles.

Phalaenopsis produce babies on their flower stems that will develop their own root system after which these babies cut from the "mother plant" and become mature orchids on their own.

They like warm nights no less than 65F or 18+C.

They always prefer to be damp and readily let you know when they're too dry.

There is even an island off Taiwan called Orchid Island that's named after the Phal orchid.

Many orchid experts consider these epiphytic orchids to be the most popular type of orchid grown by orchid enthusiasts today.

The American Orchid Society statistics show that 75% of all orchids grown today are Phalaenopsis orchids.

The first mention of phal orchids was by the Father of Modern Botany, Carolus Linnaeus, in 1753.

These orchids were among the first to appear in Victorian tropical flower collections.

The popularity of phals is undoubtedly due to:

The lovely colors of these flowers

Their multiple blooms

The length of time that their blooms last

The overall attractive appearance of the plant in general, even when it's not blooming

The fact that they are relatively easy to grow

Those are a few of the interesting and little known facts and factoids we've found. Do you know others about phals or other types of orchids that you'd like to share with orchid fanciers? Post 'em on our Orchid Facts and Factoids page at www.GrowingOrchids123.com/orchids-facts-factoids. And if you have any great photos of phals you'd like to share, we'd love to see those too.

Phalaenopsis Orchids Twenty-one Interesting and Little Known Facts and Factoids

By: Patianna A

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