Why Phalaenopsis and Cattleya Orchids Are Perfect for Weddings

Among the most popular flowers for weddings around the world are orchids. The selection of just the right flowers creates the moods and visual glamour every couple wants on their wedding day.

And two of the most sought after orchids for weddings are the Phalaenopsis (Phal) and Cattleya orchids.

Phalaenopsis Orchid, is commonly known as a Moth Orchid. This beautiful flower is the result of cross-pollination which has produced gorgeous hybrid orchids known to be one of the easiest orchids to cultivate as an indoor plant.

And the Phalaenopsis orchid offers flower colors of white and tints of white as well as other colors to fit almost anyone's choice for a wedding. When the Phal orchid is in bloom, a healthy plant will hold the blossoms for 2-3 months.

The Cattleyas orchid is another orchid frequently chosen for weddings because of it extraordinary colorful blooms and wide diversity of color choices. The petals of the Cattleyas orchid have the classic image of an orchid with beautiful unique blooms and petals that have the characteristic frilly edge. The Cattleyas orchid generally remains in bloom for 3-4 weeks depending on growing conditions.

When brides and grooms select orchids as a wedding flower they are often used in a variety of ways. The two most common places of use are for the wedding bouquet and table decorations.

Orchids are among the most widely selected wedding flower because they are known for not only their unique flowers and colors but also their fragrance. The classic white orchids are second to none as a perfect wedding flower.

In selecting wedding flowers, consideration must be given to possible allergies among the participants and guests that will in close proximity to fresh flowers on tables and bouquets.

Beyond the sheer beauty of the Phalaenopsis and Cattleyas orchids for weddings, they also express an inner and unique beauty that every marriage symbolizes. They also reflect the deep personal relationships of the newly wedded couple.

Finally, orchids are a perfect wedding flower because they are fundamentally hardy. Like any flower, they must be protected against chilly temperatures if the wedding is held in cold climates. And they can be damaged and potentially lose petals if they are not handled with reasonable care.

In spring and summer conditions, orchids do well and most importantly they can be purchased throughout the year depending on the particular orchid type you choose.

Every bride and groom seeks to create a wedding ceremony and reception that will never be forgotten. And choice of flowers for bouquets, table decorations and other reception sites is one of the most important choices to be made. Certainly the beauty, colors, symbolism and availability of orchids make them one of the best choices possible.

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Growing Phalaenopsis - The Easiest Orchid

Also known as phal, moth, and ice orchids, Phalaenopsis are the most popular orchids for many reasons. They are relatively inexpensive. They are considered by many to be the most beautiful which is saying a lot given that there are over 30,000 species and 100,000 hybrids. They are the most commonly sold orchids in garden and home centers, and now even in supermarkets. They have long lasting blooms, and many consider them the easiest orchid to care for - a perfect orchid for beginner and amateur orchid lovers. This article reviews the characteristics of the phal and optimum growing conditions.

Epiphytic and Lithophytic. Most phals are epiphytes, meaning that in nature they grow on other plants non-parasitically, that is, without deriving nutrients from their host. Moth orchids derive nutrients from dew, rainfall, air, and any material that accumulates around the roots. Some phals are lithophytes meaning that they grow on rocks. Phals can even be found clinging to buildings and poles.

Photosynthesis.Unlike the roots of our other houseplants that are damaged when exposed to air and light, the roots of the phal perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight to energy. Thus they prefer a clear pot with a special orchid mix made of bark chunks that won't absorb much moisture and allow air to circulate.

Blooms. Phals have multiple large, showy flowers on each spike which bloom 3 to 4 months, and sometimes as long as 6 months. When the blooms are over give them a cold spell by watering with and ice cube daily or 3 to 6 ice cubes once per week for 6 weeks. This will produce a secondary spike on the old stalk and your orchid will rebloom.

Soil. Phal soil must not be soil as we know it but rather a medium of bark chunks or sphagnum that allow water to flow around the roots and immediately out the bottom of the pot.

Temperature. The optimum temperature is normal home and office temperature of 70 to 80 degrees F during the day and 60 to 70 at night. Phals can tolerate temperatures as high as the 90's but will need more frequent watering.

Humidity. Optimal humidity is no less than 50%. Higher the better. One way to increase humidity is to place your potted phal on top of a bed of stones in a deep dish or tray. Keep the stones wet, but do not let roots or an absorbable pot (such as a clay pot) touch water, otherwise the orchid will continuously absorb water which is lethal. I don't recommend misting since water droplets left on leaves or flower petals, especially overnight, can cause rot.

Light. An east-facing window is ideal. Be sure any light is filtered through white shades or curtains to prevent sunburn, mirroring the dappled light of the tropical forest floor. 12 hours of light is optimal. Grow-lights can be used where light is significantly less than optimal such as winter months in extreme northern and southern latitudes. Bright green leaves indicate good light. Dark green indicates not enough light. Yellow leaves can indicate too much light (or too much water, or a disease, or natural die-off of lower leaves).

Water. Phalaenopsis prefer water early in the morning once every 7 - 10 days - more during summer, less in winter. More if consistent temperatures are higher than optimal. More when blooming or a large plant. Watering can be as often as 2-3 times a week. Get to know your particular orchid because phal roots want to dry out before being watered. Place under a tap and run water over the bark medium for about 15 seconds. Tepid water is ideal. Water should run right over the roots and bark medium and out the bottom of the pot, moistening the roots and flushing away harmful deposits. Phals do not like soggy roots - I can't emphasize this enough. If you are doing the ice cube method be sure to do a normal watering once a month to flush away harmful deposits.

Fertilizer. Moth orchids like a weak fertilizer. Commercial brands are fine, but dilute the instructions by ? to ?. Apply every other watering. Try making your own organic fertilizer - there's a free recipe on my website. Do not use fertilizer pellets or sticks since these apply too much too often.

Purchasing.It's difficult to even find a phal that's not in bloom at the time of purchase, but if possible purchase a not-yet-blooming plant, because travel from store to home can be traumatic causing blooms to drop. Look for unblemished leaves and petals - orchids are particularly susceptible to disease so be sure yours is healthy. Inspect the roots to be sure they are firm and not mushy.

Repotting. The only difficulty about orchids in general, including phals, is repotting. It is a necessity every 2 years or when roots are growing out over the rim of the pot. The continued health of your orchid depends upon repotting and propagation. It's not brain surgery but you need to follow step-by-step instruction. Go to my site or google orchid repotting for guidance.

Conclusion. Your phal thrives on consistent care like all the rest of our houseplants. And try talking to your orchid! Amazingly, research indicates that plants do better when we talk to them. And take a good long look at your orchid blooms - such beauty!

Jan Gilbert is an author for the Orchid Growing Center at http://www.secretlifeoforchids.com/. This website is a free resource for orchid lovers of all ages and levels of experience. The mission of the Center is to make orchid growing easy and inexpensive, and to educate the public about the stunning beauty, fascinating history, and endless adventure in the wild world of orchids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Gilbert

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The Phalaenopsis Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis or Phal, or also called Moth orchid, is an orchid genus introduced by Blume in 1825. This genus name refers to phalaena, a name of the moth (Lepidoptera) subdivision given by Carolus Linnaeus, since this orchid closely resembles the shape of a moth

This genus includes about 60 species which are native to the South East Asian region from the Himalayan mountains to the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines and northern part of Australia. They are mostly epiphytes with a few numbers of lithophytes. In bare nature, some species grow under the shade of moist and wet forests sheltered against direct sunlight. Others grow in environments with dry or cool seasons.

Phalaenopsis does not have pseudobulbs or rhizome usually found in epiphytes. It grows in a single upright stem with some alternating fleshy and thick, elliptical leaves. This growth habit is called monopodial growth. A healthy phal could produce up to ten or more leaves along its stem. The cluster of flowers, either in the form of raceme or panicle grows from the stem between leaves. In the wilderness their full blooming will last for several weeks, while if kept at homes, it might bloom for 2 - 3 months. ???

Phalaenopsis are very suitable as potted orchids since they are easy to propagate and bloom under artificial conditions. Since the introduction of Phalaenopsis Doris, a tetrapoloid hybrid of this orchid, their growing in homes become very easy assuming that the provided conditions are nearly the same as their native habitat. Phalaenopsis has been commercially produced ever since.?

Phalaenopsis orchid care guidelines

Light. Place your phal near or at a bright window. The ideal window spot is an east or west facing window. In gloomy or cloudy days a shady southern window will do best Avoid direct sunlight in mid-days. The most appropriate time is the early morning or in late afternoon sun.

In the absence of sunlight, a fluorescent light is a good substitute by placing it about 1 foot above the orchid. Do not forget to time your light resembling normal daytime length. If a home greenhouse is in your possession, you may as well use a heavy shade cloth to produce a light intensity of 1,000 - 1,500 fc (foot candles) during summer in particular.? ??

Temperature. The preferred temperature for phals is ranging between 55? and 85?F. To provide ideal growth it is best to set a night temperature of 60?F and a daytime temperature of 75? - 80?F.

Cool night temperatures during the fall will promote the initiation of flower spike. Be careful in maintaining the temperature, since too fluctuated temperature may cause failure of the bud to open and may drop off. A temperature exceeding 90?F will slow down growth.

Humidity. Phals need moderate levels of humidity. The ideal range is between 50% - 75% relative humidity. In heated homes place your phal on a shallow tray which is filled with stones and water to keep the desired humidity near your phal. Make sure that the roots do not immerse in the water.?

Water. Phals need to be watered thoroughly. Do not let them dry to the point of wilting. The frequency of watering depends also on the type of potting media that are in use as well as its growing environment. An average of every 7 - 10 days will be sufficient.

Remember that heated homes in winter produces lower humidity which means that you need to water your phal more often. If they dry to the point of wilting it really will be a setback for your pity phal.?

Fertilizer. For satisfactory results, applying a slow release fertilizer with an equal proportion of N-P-K will be sufficient. You can use the liquid plant food as well using the equal proportion as recommended on the label and applying it every second time of your watering.

Flowering. The phal flowers are recognized to have a long lifespan. You can even induce the second flowering through timely pruning. What you have to do after the fading of the last flower is to check the spike and look for fleshy bulges or nodes. Count out 3 fleshy nodes and cut the spike about an inch above the third node.

By doing this, a healthy plant will stimulate one or two nodes to produce a cluster of new blooms. Repeating this several times will make it possible for you to enjoy your phal blooming of almost 6 months. ?

Repotting. As any other orchids, phals need to be repotted. The same reason of repotting also applies to your phal; the outgrowing from its present pot and the condition of the potting media that should be renewed. How to repot your phal have I explained in article specially addressed to this issue??

Pestcontrol.The danger of being messed up or hampered by insects or others is still there and can disturb the healthy life of your phal. So, monitor your orchid for aphids, mites, slug and scale. If you find any, remove it with a soft cloth steeped in soapy water. You can also use a pest control product, but make sure to follow the instructions on its label.?

Well, that concludes the brief explanation about Phalaenopsis and some guidelines on how to care for your amazing phal.

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Three Components For Phalaenopsis Orchid Care

Orchids are popular as houseplants because of their flowering and elegance. Phalaenopsis orchids are popular for beginning orchid growers because they are easier to care for than most other orchids. These orchids are native to Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Australia. Phalaenopsis comes in shades of pink, lavender, white and yellow. With the proper care, Phalaenopsis can flower year after year and provide beautiful, stunning flowers as a reward to its grower. The three main components that any orchid needs to thrive including Phalaenopsis are water, light and fertilizer.

Phalaenopsis, like most orchids, need water to live. The general guideline is to water them once every ten to fourteen days. You may adjust this number depending upon your particular environment. Phalaenopsis is an epiphytic orchid. This means that it is not usually found planted in the ground. Instead, this orchid thrives on living on other objects such as a tree. When you water this orchid, it likes to have its roots dry almost completely before the next watering. Typically, most people pot Phalaenopsis in a bark type of medium. Fir or Pine bark are usually used. The bark can hold moisture and nutrients until the plant is ready to accept them. Examine the bark for dryness when preparing to water the orchid again. Sometimes peat moss is used in the pot. The peat moss also holds moisture, so you may be able to water less often. After you water your orchids, allow the excess water to drain. Allowing it to stay in the pot will cause root rot. Root rot can cause your orchid to wilt and die.

Phalaenopsis needs light to convert food into energy and to bloom. This orchid favors a cooler natural light. Placing this orchid in an easterly facing window is the preferred direction. Here, it can enjoy a cooler morning sunlight and a cooler light in the evening. Midday sun may be too hot. Move your Phalaenopsis to a different window during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf burn. Then move it back to the easterly window for the next day. You may also use blinds or shades to soften the light during the hottest hours of the day. If the cooler natural light is not readily available, you can also use artificial light. Fluorescent light is a common choice. Set this light on a timer and a schedule so that the maximum exposure does not exceed twelve hours. Twelve hours is about the maximum amount of light for both natural and artificial for Phalaenopsis. The artificial light should be placed about a foot above the plant.

Fertilize Phalaenopsis about once every two weeks. This is the guideline for feeding it. In general, just before the blooming season you may want to feed it on a regular schedule until the blooms have come about; then stop feeding. This orchid favors a temperature of around 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Just before blooming, allow the orchid to be exposed to cooler temperatures at night for a week or two. The coolness exposure tends to bring about a better bloom from Phalaenopsis. Increase the cooler temperatures based upon how well your orchids are blooming. If the blooms do not seem to be there, increase the exposure to the cooler temperatures at night. Phalaenopsis should have better blooms. Water your orchid first before fertilizing. Then apply a diluted solution of fertilizer. The solution should contain about 1/3 the recommended manufacturer's dosage. Generally, you should stop feeding it completely after the blooming season is over. The type of fertilizer to use is balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer has a label that contains three numbers and dashes in between. 20-20-20 or 16-16-16 are balanced fertilizers. They each have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash. 20-20-20 means 20% nitrogen, 20% phosphorous and 20% potash. The nitrogen helps foliage growth and general health; the phosphorous encourages bloom development and good root growth; and potash helps resists diseases and contributes to overall good health.

Phalaenopsis is a popular houseplant because it can thrive in non-tropical temperatures about what us humans usually endure. This makes them easy to care for indoors. Most garden centers and other growers will be able to tell you helpful hints to care for these orchids the best way. The successful formula for healthy, happy orchids are the right amount of light, water and fertilizer. Given the proper amount of care, your orchids should bloom season after season and reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.

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