Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Moth Orchid


Tips for Moth Orchid Care
By Chairil Amin Umar

Moth Orchids



Phalaenopsis are also called moth orchids, because the flowers of some species look like flying moths. The most common orchids found in gardens and homes are moth orchids because their flower blooms can last from weeks to months. Moth orchids consist of a wide range of colors; yellows, pinks white, lavender and are arranged as arched sprays. What makes their popularity is because of their tolerance of temperature and light conditions in the average home.

The ideal temperature for moth orchids is between 55 degrees F to 85 degrees F. The temperature difference between the day and night is very essential for flowering and moth orchids flower best at daytime temperatures of about 75 degrees F and night time temperatures of about 60 degrees F. The best positioning for a moth orchid is near an east or west facing window where the plant will get the morning and evening sun, but it will be safe in direct midday sunlight.

You can also grow these moth orchids in a greenhouse, but you have to protect them with shade cloth. If your greenhouse is located in an area whose to little light, you can use fluorescent lights with the timer set to 10 hours lighting. Good air circulation is needed  by orchids and a low-speed oscillating fan, or ceiling fan, will be adequate.

Heavy watering may cause moth orchids killed, receiving a good drench is the best and then only watered again when the potting mix is nearly dry. Do not get any water on the flowers. You can use a pencil or your finder, to determine whether the media at the bottom of the pot is nearly dry or not as you don't want this area to be over-watered and rot the roots. The ideal humidity levels for moth orchids are  between 50% and 75%.

The best provision of humidity to your orchid plant, is by placing the pot on a shallow tray, containing pebbles, and filled with water. The ideal water level must not exceed the bottom of the pot or else capillary action will be sucked up into the potting mix, which will cause too damp for your plants. Feed your orchids with N:P:K fertilizer (liquid or slow-release), if your moth orchids are about to flower, use a fertilizer that has a higher phosphorus concentration. When the orchids bloom, stop feeding fertilizer to your orchid. Examine your plants regularly for pests and remove them with a soft cloth that has been dipped in soapy water. Common pests mostly consist of aphids , mites, mealybugs, and slugs.



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