How to Arrange Artificial Red Phalaenopsis Stems

Phalaenopsis, commonly called moth orchids, display a cluster of blooms branching from a single stem. Each bloom perches on the stem like a delicate moth with wings spread. Moth orchids are epiphytic, meaning they grow on trees, taking in nutrients and moisture from the air and surrounding environment instead of from soil. Real moth orchid blossoms stay open for up to two months or longer, according to the Minnesota University Extension. Arranging artificial red Phalaenopsis stems requires learning a trick to make the display appear natural. Quality silk orchids mimic fresh flowers. By copying the shapes found in nature, you can show off the red moth orchid's mystery and fire -- and visitors might think your Phalaenopsis are real ones.

Vase up to half the height of the orchids, or a bowl or pot
Floral foam or a piece of solid packing foam
Knife
Wire cutters
Stones
Sphagnum moss (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Arrange an uneven number of stems, such as three or five. Because red Phalaenopsis offer such dynamic blooms, even silk ones, you don't need many stems to create an impact. For a vase arrangement, use wire cutters to clip the stems so they're twice the height of the vase or less. For example, if the vase is 6 inches tall, cut the stems at different lengths, such as 10, 11 and 12 inches long.
- 2
  Cut a block of floral foam and push it into the bottom of the vase or pot. Trim it if necessary, or cut a wedge of foam to create a snug fit. Hold one of the stems next to the container to get an idea of how it will look. Use your thumb and finger to bend the stem into a curve that bends down over the rim of the vase, to present the orchids with the round petals at the top, the way that they grow.
- 3
  Bend the other stems so that each looks different, some with the curve higher on the stem, some lower. Making each one look individual, with some blooms closer to the stem and some extending out farther out, mimics nature.
- 4
  Poke each stem deep into the foam. Put the longest stem in the middle with one or two stems on each side of the middle stem, depending on the number of stems you're arranging. Insert some stems closer to the front of the container than others. Avoid putting the stems in a straight line. Adjust the display to show off the orchids. If the display will be visible from all sides, check that the blooms face in all directions.
- 5
  
  Stones in the vase stabilize a silk moth orchid display.
  
  Pour stones into the container to a depth of 2 inches to stabilize the arrangement. Heavy pots or vases don't need stones. Because artificial Phalaenopsis arrangements don't contain water, you need to add weight if they're in a light container to reduce the risk of the display tipping over.
- 6
  Tuck tufts of sphagnum moss into the pot to create a soft, natural ground for the orchid display, if desired. This effect works well in a low pot and disguises the oasis if you use a low pot without stones.

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