Houseplant of the month – December
Each month we feature a houseplant of the month courtesy of the Flower Council of Holland.
The houseplant of the month for December is the Phalaenopsis Orchid, an elegant and feminine plant with slender stems, shiny leaves and butterfly-like flowers.
Stemming from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ meaning ‘moth’ and ‘opsis’ meaning ‘’ike’, the Phalaenopsis flower resembles the fluttering wings of a moth, while possessing the beautiful colours of a butterfly.
Phalaenopsis have a range of colours from salmon pink to bold blue and having creatively speckled or banded patterns, the Orchid makes the perfect gift for a friend.
This luxurious orchid is used to travelling the world – discovered around 1700 in the tropical rainforests of Asia and Australia, it was brought to western culture by explorers who were captivated by its beautiful colours and patterns. The orchid grows naturally in trees or on rocks but is equally suited to your window sill or desk.
Looking after your Phalaenopsis
Keep the Orchid looking elegant for longer by positioning it with enough light to grow but avoiding bright sunlight between April and October. Submerge the pot once every seven to ten days in rain water for one minute. Add Orchid fertilizer to the soil once a month from November to February and twice a month for the rest of the year.
To help the plant to flower for a second time, cut the stem above the second eye (counted from the bottom) – then place the plant in a colour position and after approximately two months you can return the plant to its original position.
Some fun facts
* Some Orchids have a light perfume but most don’t have any perfume at all.
* The Phalaenopsis Orchid is a symbol of solidarity, femininity and co-operation. It is also a symbol of spirituality, self respect and elegance so therefore makes a perfect gift.
* The Phalaenopsis is happiest at temperatures between 20oC and 22oC.
* The Phalaenopsis Orchid was one of the first tropical flowers to be found in Victorian flower collections.
Not all Orchids are Phalaenopsis – there are also Cambria, Dendrobium, Oncidium and Vanda.
