How To Grow A White Moth Orchid With Pink Centers

A white moth orchid with pink centers in bloom is quite a stunning display, and I have to point out to visitors that all the orchids in bloom are real, as they truly look amazingly perfect! Moth orchids, phaelanopsis, are the most common of all orchids and the simplest to propogate, thus their wide availability. And as I can attest, they are quite hardy and will come back to life with the proper care if neglected. Not that I did any neglecting, rather over the years a family friend who is a landscaper brings me poor half dead orchids that his clients don’t know what to do with, and while there were many in the beginning that I sadly could not save, these days I know that patience is key! So friends, learn how to care for that orchid you recieved as a gift after the blooms have dropped, and you can have flowers every year for years to come!

I’ll admit, the pink centers were a surprise, as it is hard to tell the difference between the orchids, unless they are burgundy bloomers and then the stalks are a different color. This year I’ll put a little tag on this one just in case I decide to give some away, as this is a keeper! Truthfully it is not likely that I’d give away any orchids given all the love and attention I give them, but maybe to a family member who promises to care for it?

Orchids are a truly amazing addition to any home, assuming you don’t live in a cave, as they do need light.

Basic Orchid Care:

• Take to the sink and water once weekly in summer, every two weeks in winter.

• Mist with water from spray bottle daily.

• Place in bright spot but never allow direct contact with sun.

• Once orchid begins to flower you can move it to a darker location to enjoy the blooming period, just after the blooms fade move it back to the brighter location.

• Orchids are raised in clear containers so roots get some light. This is great because you can keep track of your root growth! You can put the plastic pot into another more attractive pot, but if your orchid is suffering, maybe those roots need to see some light.

• Don’t throw away an orchid that has no roots, put it in water, and aim for one root that is in water, and raise it that way forever or until there are at least four or five roots. This may take months.

• Don’t worry too much if leaves become floopy, just follow care tips above and be patient, it will revive itself hopefully.

• A healthy thriving orchid has tons of thick roots and very stiff leaves, that is the goal!

• Even not so healthy orchids will bloom, just generally on stalks with just a few flowers.

• After flowers have fallen, cut flower stalk at the base, otherwise it will bloom again from that stalk which is less attractive.