Words & photos: Rachel Vogan
At this time of year, my moth orchid, Phalaenopsis, is strutting its stuff with long towering stems of white. I just adore how perfect these blooms look; somehow, they just don’t look real.
For over half the year the dark, glossy green leaves just sit there, hardly growing at all. In my house they just seem to be magnets for dust, dog hair and anything else that gets blown in from the garden. Then – just when I think, “why do I bother?” – the flower stems start to appear and I am reminded why I love them so much. For around three months they reward me with big pillows of white velvet blooms.
If white doesn’t do it for you, look out for some of the rich plum and magenta tones, or maybe pink or the spotted freckled colours may appeal. Originating mostly from Asia, a wide number of Phalaenopsis are available; they are one of the most common orchids grown here.
Growing orchids is a rewarding experience. In the wild orchids grow on host plants or rocks, and are generally classified either as epiphytes (living on trees) or lithophytes (living on rocks). At home you need to try to replicate those conditions.
Phalaenopsis prefer a spot away from direct sunlight; living areas, bathrooms and entranceways are good positions. After a year, repot your plant into orchid potting mix, which is widely available in garden centres, and ask for specific orchid fertiliser. Water about once a fortnight while plants are actively growing, allowing the soil to drain and dry out in between watering. Never sit the pot in a saucer of water, as the roots will rot.
If you’re not looking for another plant, look to moth orchids as cut flowers. In a vase they will last well over a month, as long as the water is changed a couple of times a week. Phalaenopsis are in the top five as choices for bridal flowers; the challenge with them for brides is that they are not always in season in November and December, unless they are imported from Singapore.
