The species of the Phalaenopsis genus and their hybrids represent, without a doubt, the most popular orchid varieties grown by collectors, from amateurs to enthusiasts and professionals . Moreover, in the last decades, due to the special interest in this breed, and the efforts of breeders and hybridizers, they followed this fashion, giving rise to a multitude of shapes, colors and perfumes, which can satisfy any demands. Another aspect that makes the Phalaenopsis species so appreciated is represented by the ease of crossing these orchids with species of the genera Ascocentrum, Ascocenda, Vanda, Doritis, Doritaenopsis, Rhynchostylis, resulting in an impressive complex of spectacular hybrids.

The name of the genus comes from ancient Greek, probably in connection with the genus name Phalaena, given by Carl Linnaeus to a group of moths. These orchids inherit the name, being popularly called moth orchids in some countries, due to the shape of the floral apparatus, which is said to resemble a moth in flight.

As for distribution, Phalaenopsis orchids come from Southeast Asia, from the Himalaya Mountains, to the islands of Polillo, Palawan and Zamboanga del Norte, in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, and sometimes to Australia. Taiwan's Orchid Island takes its name from this genus.

Most Phalaenopsis species are epiphytes, growing on trees, with a small number being lithophiles (growing on stones). In nature, some species grow in the top area of ​​humid jungles in low-altitude forests, protected from direct sunlight, while other species prefer climates with drought or seasonally low temperatures.

The species of the Phalaenopsis genus do not possess pseudobulbs or rhizomes, they have a monopodial habit, that is, the stems grow in one direction, and the leaves, one or two per year, are arranged alternately, having a fleshy texture. With the production of new leaves, the plants will abscisse the old, basal leaves, at a rate equal to the rate of growth. If a Phalaenopsis specimen is very healthy, it can have 10 or more leaves at the same time.

The inflorescences, in the form of a raceme or panicle, emerge from the nodes of the stem arranged between the leaves, and bloom completely within a few weeks. In apartment conditions, the flowers can last up to 2 or 3 months.

The ideal temperature and humidity for orchid species must take into account periodicity and seasonal alternation, but, in the case of species of the Phlaenopsis genus, this aspect is not important, since in the areas of origin of these species there is no clear demarcation between the rainy seasons and the dry ones. Phalaenopsis species generally inhabit wet forests along watercourses. The ideal temperature range will be between 22 - 28 ℃ for daytime temperatures and 16 - 20 ℃ for night temperatures.

Atmospheric humidity will be around 60% for most hybrids, but it should be mentioned that botanical species and recent Asian hybrids prefer a much more humid climate, ideally around 80%.

It is very important that Phalaenopsis species are protected from the sun's rays in the warm season, always taking care to provide adequate shading, especially around lunchtime. The light radiation values ​​will be in the range of 10,000 - 12,000 lux for the seedling stage, 12,000 - 20,000 lux for the growth period and 20,000 - 30,000 lux for the flowering period.

Irrigation of Phalaenopsis species differs significantly depending on the cultivar. The more fleshy, leathery, hard the plant leaves are, the lower the water requirement will be, but, on the contrary, the more fragile, slightly translucent the leaves are, the more water-loving the respective species will be. Normally, irrigation will be carried out at intervals of 5-7 days or more frequently, preferably by immersion, but allowing the substrate to dry between two successive waterings. In the case of cultivation in pots, the ideal way to administer water is when you notice that the roots lose their green color and become pearly.

Phalaenopsis species can be fertilized throughout the year, at 2-week intervals, with balanced fertilizers, at 25-50% of the dosage recommended by the manufacturer on the package. More diluted and more frequent fertilizations are recommended, as Phalaenopsis orchids do not have structures to store nutrients.

Ventilation is a very important factor for the Phalaenopsis orchid species, as they can very easily contract different types of rot or other fungal and/or bacterial diseases that will significantly affect the plant, in the absence of adequate air currents.

The substrate is an essential factor in the development of Phalaenopsis specimens. Currently, there are two accepted culture variants:

Growing in sphagnum (Asian method) - growing in sphagnum can be considered similar to a hydroponic system. The plants receive permanent moisture and develop much faster - practically, you will get much bigger specimens, in a much shorter time. The muscle is very well pressed, so as not to allow a large exchange of air and the access of external pathogens, thus explaining very well the strong root system that most specimens imported from Asian countries have. The water retention is long-lasting (up to 2-3 weeks in the case of cultivation in the apartment - it varies according to the season and microclimate). It should be mentioned that this growing method requires spacing the plants in the growing space, but also good ventilation, in order to prevent air stratification at the level of the plant bundle, a fact that could lead to diseases of the bundle (rot, sclerotium, etc.) . Sphagnum has its own beneficial bacterial flora, but also a strong effect of repelling external pathogens - throughout history it was used by soldiers to dress wounds, when there was no access to dressings and medical equipment. At the same time, sphagnum has its own NPK and a natural complex of phytohormones.

This culture method is considered ideal in Asian countries, due to the numerous advantages, both economic and practical for the culture.

Growing in pine bark (European method) - with well-aerated substrates , represented by conifer bark of medium, sometimes large grain, depending on the size of the plant or the target cultivar. This can possibly be fined with one part to 4 parts sphagnum moss, for a surplus of moisture, especially in the case of botanical species and Asian hybrids, thus increasing the interval between waterings.

It is NOT recommended to suddenly move the sphagnum plants into the bark. Such an operation can be extremely damaging and can produce a very high mortality rate among Phalaenopsis specimens. The transition from one culture system to another will be done gradually. Especially after the purchase of the plants, it is necessary to acclimatize the plants in the new environment, before changing the culture system.

Phalaenopsis orchids do not require a rest period for reblooming.

Tips and tricks:

• in the morning, the sun's rays help the scented species/hybrids to emit their specific scent. Depending on the descent (parental formula, in the case of hybrids), the perfume can be discreet or strong and can be felt only in the morning, or throughout the day. Sometimes, plants need time for stabilization (days or even weeks), if the environment has been changed (e.g. in the case of newly bought plants).
• grow Phalaenopsis orchids in transparent pots with drainage holes and good ventilation. The transparent pot will allow a better examination of the roots and help you determine when is the right time for watering.
• for many species/hybrids, additional holes in the pots are recommended for good ventilation and air circulation
• the culture containers can be placed in decorative masks, preferably transparent, if you follow a few simple rules: the decorative pot will be wider by 1-2 cm; water will never stagnate in the decorative bowl.
• most species/hybrids of Phalaenopsis can be watered by immersing the pot in a container with water, in the warm season - thus, the humidity will persist longer and irrigation can be done every 7-10 days, or even more in the cold season. However, a minimum precaution and a minimum study of the species/hybrid is recommended before using this watering method.

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