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12/4/00

Contacts:
Cindy Haynes, Horticulture Extension, (515) 294-4006, chaynes@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communication Systems, (515) 294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu

Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Dec. 8

Forget the Flamingos -- Try a Moth Orchid

By Cynthia Haynes
Extension horticulturist
Iowa State University Extension

Are you looking for something tropical to brighten the inside of your home this winter? Still searching for an unusual gift that "keeps on giving" this holiday season? While plastic flamingos certainly would be unique and would add a tropical feel indoors, they cannot compete with the grace and beauty of a tropical orchid. But the similarities between the flamingo and the orchid do not end with warm, tropical habitats. Both have stunning pink plumage on long stalked stems or legs. Yet many people consider growing orchids a daunting task. Don't be intimidated by orchids; some are almost as easy to care for as those plastic flamingos.

Orchids are one of the largest groups of flowering plants, with up to 30,000 species identified and more than 300,000 cultivars registered to date. Orchids are native to most regions of the world. Several orchids are native to Iowa's prairies and woodlands.

There are two types of orchids: terrestrial and epiphytic. Terrestrial orchids, like most plants, grow on the surface of the soil. They originate from underground bulbs or rhizomatous roots. Epiphytic orchids grow on other plants. Their roots cling to the trunks and branches of trees and collect water and nutrients from the air. The damp, humid rainforests in southeastern Asia are home to the largest number of epiphytic orchids. Epiphytic orchids make great houseplants because they grow and bloom well in low to medium light conditions.

Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) are one of the easiest and most popular epiphytic orchids to grow indoors. Phalaena means "moth" and opsis means "appearance." The common and scientific names come from the fact that the brightly colored flowers resemble moths hovering over sparse, dark green foliage. While the foliage is minimal and rather boring, the flowers are not. The elegant, arching flower stems usually hold 6 to 15 red, pink, purple, white, pale yellow or speckled blossoms that last for a month or more. Similar to the great flamingo, the moth orchid is native to Southeast Asia, with greatest concentration in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Most epiphytes require a coarse, well-drained media. Coarse bark chips work well for most orchids. Typical houseplant soil mixes, like peat moss, retain too much moisture. Depending on the amount of growth, moth orchids can be repotted in fresh bark chips every year or two.

Moth orchids grow best in bright, indirect light. Direct sun actually may burn the foliage turning the leaves yellow and brown. Ideal sites are east- and north-facing windows. Plants in a south window will need to be shaded with a sheer curtain. Phalaenopsis orchids in poorly lit areas will not grow or flower well. Fluorescent lighting can be used to supplement natural lighting in poorly lit areas. Hang the fluorescent fixture 6 to 8 inches above the plants. The lights should be on for 12 to 16 hours each day.

In their native habitat, moth orchids experience little seasonal change in temperature. Temperatures between 65 F - 80 F are considered ideal. The slightly cooler temperatures can help initiate blooms, but temperatures below 60 F may be damaging.

An evenly moist bark medium is needed for moth orchids. Plants should be watered well and then allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Plants should be watered more frequently when they are actively growing and during bloom. Watering frequency will vary with the location of the plant, type of medium, temperature and the season. Unlike flamingos, the moth orchid roots resent standing in water for long periods. Epiphytes will rot quickly in wet conditions, so the media should be very well drained.

Phalaenopsis orchids require a relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent. Unfortunately, the humidity levels in most homes during the winter months are well below this range. Humidity levels indoors can be increased with a room humidifier or by placing the plant on a tray or saucer filled with pebbles and water. They bottom of the pot should be kept above the water line. The evaporation of water from the tray will increase the relative humidity in the vicinity of the plant.

Unlike flamingos, the color of the moth orchid plumage or blossoms is not dictated by its diet. In fact, moth orchids are light feeders. Fertilization is beneficial when plants are actively growing, but otherwise not needed. Many orchids can be grown successfully with little or no fertilizer. Over fertilization can lead to damaged foliage and few blooms.

If you can't travel to a tropical location this winter to watch the flamingos, bring something a little tropical home to you. Growing a moth orchid indoors is relatively easy and very rewarding. Unlike a plastic pink flamingo, the moth orchid will complement almost any decor.

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ml: isugarden


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