Marvelous Orchids

A stunning display of orchids in a plethora of colors at my local grocery store.

Marvelous Orchids
By Annette Bartlett-Golden

Everywhere I turn there are orchids. In grocery stores, plant centers and even home goods stores I have seen live orchids of various varieties for sale. Perhaps it’s because we celebrated Mother’s Day this month or maybe it’s because when it comes to flowers, orchids are just marvelous gifts.  With their regal, arching flowers spikes rising above their leaves, they are elegant plants. And their flowers come in every hue of the rainbow. For the same price as a bouquet of flowers that may last a week you can buy an orchid with stunning blossoms that will flower for months.

Many years ago my son was given some orchids plants in need of love. One of these suddenly began blooming at Christmas and is still in flower now, nearly six months later. It is a Phalaenopsis (fayl-eh-NOP-sis) orchid with white flowers. This type of orchid has thick, oval shaped leaves that alternate and sit close to the potting medium.  When the plant prepares to flower, a single stem grows out from the center of the leaves and buds begin to form on this spike, eventually swelling to round orbs that blossom into stunning, distinctively shaped flowers.

Caring for orchids may seem a mysterious art, but Phalaenopsis, one of the most commonly sold varieties of orchids, requires about the same basic care as ordinary houseplants.  According to the American Orchid Society’s website, Phalaenopsis (also referred to as “phal”) are one of the easiest orchids to grow at home. These are low light orchids that thrive in the same temperatures that we prefer in our homes and indoor work spaces. Perhaps that may be why phals were popular with Victorians collectors of exotic plants.

For watering, the American Orchid Society website explains that “If your phal is potted in bark watering once a week is generally sufficient. If your plant is potted in moss, water when the top feels dry. … Place the plant in the sink and use tepid water. Do not use salt-softened or distilled water. Let the water run through the plant for a minute or so. Be sure to let the plant drain completely.”  The crown of these orchids, which is the center area where the leaves are joined, is sensitive to moisture. One of the reasons Phalaenopsis orchids perish is crown rot so it’s important to make sure that water doesn’t sit in that area. Giving the plants orchid fertilizer about once a month or so is also recommended for optimal growth.

On Mother’s Day I was delighted to receive a gorgeous phal with magnificent flowers in a rich shade of magenta. In the morning light, the flowers glow like rubies and light up the room. Now there are two fabulous blooming orchids on the window sill and I have a strong inclination for more in the near future. My studio desk seems rather bare and every place without a blooming orchid seems to be missing something… Yes, I’m falling for orchids!

~For more information on plant care for Phalaenopsis orchids visit the  American Orchid Society webpage.

My marvelous magenta Phalaenopis orchid!