Phalaenopsis this special genera has grown in popularity during the last few decades of the 20th century, and currently they rank among the most popular of all flowering potted plants. Today they are perhaps the best orchid for growing in the home.

The Phalaenopsis genera has approximately 60 species of orchids. The abbreviation in the horticultural trade is Phal.

The flowers are generally remarkably long lived. A spike of Phalaenopsis can have flowers open for several months. Other atractive is the fact of many species have excellent mottled foliage and still attractive even when not in flower. Simply provide modest light and consistent moisture, and they will delight you with their relative ease of culture.

They are native throughout southeast Asia from the Himalayan mountains to the islands of Polillo and Palawan of the Philippines and northern Australia.

The recommended humidity being between 50 and 80 percent. In humid climates, as in greenhouses, it is imperative that the humid air is moving. Leaves should be dry as soon as possible, always by nightfall. In the home, set the plants on trays of gravel, partially filled with water, so that the pots never sit in water.

Temperatures for phalaenopsis should usually be above 60ºF at night, and
range between 75º and 85º F or more during the day. Although higher temperatures force faster vegetative growth, higher humidity and air movement must accompany higher temperatures, the recommended maximum being 90º to 95ºF. Night temperatures to 55 F are desirable for several weeks in the autumn to initiate flower spikes. Fluctuating temperatures can cause bud drop on plants with buds ready to open.

Fertilize on a regular schedule, especially if the weather is warm, when the
plants are most often growing. Twice-amonth applications of high-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 30-10-10) are appropriate where bark-based media are used.