Description

Also known as ‘Moth Orchids’ the Phalaenopsis boquetto is revered for its ability to produce a mass of white flowers for many months. Despite its delicate appearance, they’re relatively robust and can thrive with little care.

Phalaenopsis is a large family of 45 species of orchids native to India, southern China, and Southeast Asia so it’s no surprise that they love humidity (bathrooms and kitchens are ideal). Be wary though, of big fluctuations in temperature. They won’t thank you for it.

They’ll do best if watered weekly throughout the growing season, reducing that a little during winter. Be careful not to over-water or the roots will rot. We suggest sitting your plant in a water-filled dish for an  hour or two to let it soak up what it needs, but don’t be tempted to sit your orchid in water permanently or it will suffer. They prefer tepid water (filtered tap or rainwater is best) and you can lightly mist during the summer months too. Give yourself a spritz while you’re at it too!

One quirk of orchids is their roots may at times seem to be escaping their pot – but never fear, that’s all part of their natural behaviour. In nature, they grow in the nooks and crannies of trees and don’t mind if their pot is snug. Once the flowers have finished, trim the flowering stalk which may promote more growth.

A firm favourite these plants make fantastic gifts for all ages and for a range of occasions. From a simple ‘sorry’ to an expression of love, they’ll always go down well.

 

Water / Feed: Water with soft tepid water (filtered tap water, bottled water or even rainwater is good). Feed with orchid solution in spring/summer.

Pet / Child: No toxic effects reported

Temperature / Humidity: 18-26 degrees Celsius is best – ideally on the humid side too. 

Soil Type: Use specialist orchid compost rather than regular soil (which may become waterlogged and cause their roots to rot)

Light / Position: Bright, indirect light – ideally away from fluctuations in temperature and radiators.

Growth / Spread: Slow growing they’ll reach around 50cm

Geographic Origins: India, southern China, and Southeast Asia

 

Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different. Any decorative pots shown in photographs are not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery pot). They do however make excellent potted plants and, if you wish to pot yours up, we do have a wide range of pots on our website to choose from.