Phalaeonopsis (or moth orchids) have to be one of the most beautiful, elegant and stately in this vast group of plants.

 

Sold commonly as showy indoor plants, they are ideal for a well-lit spot in front of a window, out of draughts. They don’t like fluctuating temperatures and temps shouldn’t drop below 16 degrees and as they are used to humidity so you should mist them occasionally and consider sitting them over a saucer with water and pebbles in it (making sure the orchid isn’t actually sitting in the water).

 

Flower spikes are initiated in autumn with temperatures between 16-18 degrees ideally. Water twice a week in summer and about once every 5 days in winter. You can use two different types of fertilisers with these plants, one for growth and one for flowers.During the warmer growing period, a high nitrogen fertiliser can be used at a weak solution in tepid water weekly but to encourage strong blooms coming into autumn, you would change to a high potassium formula. I particularly love the mini ‘Phals’ like this one pictured. I think the hardest thing about these orchids is which one to buy; they come in delicious shades of pure white, mid pink, stripes and even mottled purple and white. Gladland Flowers have a great range and can point you towards a stockist. (07) 32062770