Growth habit: An evergreen orchid with leaves arising from a short stem within inches of the growing medium, producing plants that grow to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. The leaves are thick and deep green and grow more than 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Light: Shade to filtered sun.

Water needs: Prefers moist but not wet growing conditions. Mist daily in hot, dry weather; less when it’s cool.

Feedings: Apply a 20-20-20 or orchid-fertilizer solution every other week during warmer months; growing media should be moist during feeding.

Propagation: From offshoots on older plants.

Ease of culture: Easy.

Hardiness: Tender; protect from temperatures below 50 F.

Major problems: Plants are sensitive to stem and root-rot problems; water so the foliage dries before night. Use natural sprays to control scale insects and mites on the leaves.

Pruning: Remove declining blooms and leaves as needed to keep attractive plants. After the flowers fade, the long, green flower stems can be pruned as needed but are usually left to sprout side shoots that produce additional blooms or small plants. Young plants can be removed and replanted when they develop several leaves.

Uses: Phalaenopsis are easy to grow, surviving with minimal care. Varieties are available in a wide array of colors including pinks, purples, oranges, yellows, whites and blends. The plants open their blossoms year-round on long stalks with numerous buds that can produce flowers for many months. Display indoors in a bright location or in the shade of trees or covered patios.

Florida native: No; a hybrid with relatives from Burma, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

source : www.orlandosentinel.com