White Moth Orchid With Red Lips

The Phalaenopsis Orchid's Native Habitat

• The Phalaenopsis orchid is what's known as an epiphyte. An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant, using the other plant for support and to gain better access to sunlight and water, but without parasitizing the plant -- without sapping it of its nutrients. In the jungles of Asia, where the Phalaenopsis orchid originates, it grows high in the trees. The orchids we grow in our homes have been bred to thrive in pots, but many of the things they need in the jungle they still need in a home environment: humidity, water, stable temperatures and indirect sunlight.

Why Are They So Popular?

• These particular orchids are popular for a couple of reasons. First, they're common -- it's possible to buy a moth orchid from almost any grocery store floral department these days -- but they're also popular because they thrive in the indoor conditions of the average home. This means they can tolerate slight fluctuations in temperature; average household light levels are sufficient.

Phalaenopsis Care

• Orchids flower in the winter and into the spring, sometimes for as long as six weeks. Such a treat when all is cold and colorless outside makes proper orchid care worth your while. The most important aspects of orchid care are proper watering and the right light. Phalaenopsis orchids' growing medium should never be allowed to dry out completely. When the medium starts to dry out, that's the time for a deep watering. Place Phalaenopsis orchids in bright but indirect sunlight, ideally in the east window of the house, as the American Orchid Society recommends. Too much sun will burn the flowers: keep the Phalaenopsis out of drafts, hot or cold, and maintain humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Where to Get a Phalaenopsis Orchid

• As was mentioned earlier, it's possible to pick up a Phalaenopsis orchid and a box of cereal in the same trip, but the grocery store might not be the best supplier of reliable, healthy orchids. That said, it isn't a bad place to start, because those orchids are relatively inexpensive, and there isn't much of a loss if it doesn't survive. Once you've convinced yourself that you can keep an orchid alive, consider joining a local orchid society or at least inquiring about upcoming sales they might be holding where you could purchase a professionally grown Phalaenopsis.