One of my favorite plants to have in a room is a phalaenopsis orchid plant. They are so beautiful and elegant, and the way we dress them at the shop is contemporary and warm. Time and time again, however, I have discussions with clients who love the look of orchid plants, but are completely intimidated by them. They're not so hard. With just a bit of attention to details, you can have orchid plants that last for quite some time.
One thing you should keep in mind about orchids is where they are found in nature. That will help you realize the kind of growing conditions in which they should be kept. They grow in rainforests, attached to the side of trees via moss, bark, or other plant material. Not in soil. Under the canopy of the rainforest.
So what does that tell us? 1. That the light they flourish with is diffused, bright light. Not direct light. Indirect, bright light, like a Northern exposure. 2. They like to be kept moist, but not wet. The rainforest is constantly moist. But plants attached to trees will never have a very full water source. In fact, they get moldy if they are too wet. 3. They like a fairly constant temperature.
So find a spot in your home or office with bright, indirect light, out of a draft. Water the orchid no more than 1/2 cup once a week. Fertilize them with orchid fertilizer once a month. The blooms should last several weeks to a couple of months. Once the blooms are spent, cut off the flower stalk just above the first or second 'node' (a knuckle on the stem, just above the foliage), and you will probably get another batch of blooms. Otherwise, they will bloom once every 9-12 months.
A lot of people think that the plant is dead once the flowers die. Not true. As long as the foliage is firm, dark green and glossy, you have a vital plant. Keep fertilizing it. That's it.
Not so complicated, is it? Give it a try. They're a stunning addition to your botanical interior design.
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