What are Phalaenopsis Orchids?

The phalaenopsis orchid (pronounced fal-en-op-sis) is a beautiful type of orchid. In fact, it is one of the most commonly recognized orchids because the phalaenopsis is usually the most marketed orchid. This type of orchid is the most common because they are the easiest to grow and care for out of the orchid family.

Visually, this type of orchid has round petals, and is the most commonly scene for sale at any given flower or plant section of a store. This orchid is most popularly a white, pink, or even fuchsia color and the flower itself appears as if the interior rounded petals are wings. The phalaenopsis is often called the “moth orchid” because of its moth-like petals. Its name, phalaenopsis means “like the phalaena” in which the phalaena is the name for a group of large moths.

There are many different hybrids of the plant that allow it to appear as if the color is textured or speckled. Some of the pinks, lavenders, and yellows appear as if they have deeper shades striped or spotted across the petals because of hybrid cross breed. These hybrids do not have as round a shape to their petals as the solid-toned pink or white orchids and their stems are not as long and erect. The white phalaenopsis’ “lip” petal can vary in colors such as pink, red, orange, and yellow.

Phalaenopsis orchids range in price depending on their size. Just because they might be the easiest to attain, they are still orchids that are often expensive because they can be difficult to grow and maintain. You might be able to find a small one at the grocery store for under ten dollars, or a large one in a nice pot for over a hundred dollars from a specialty florist. They mostly are purchased in some sort of pot but there are also special arrangements that use this orchid, like a wedding bouquet or a corsage or boutonniere.

Orchids are beautiful, unique plants that bring peace to their surroundings. The simple appearance of an orchid fills a room with serenity, yet the complexity of each variation of an orchid adds individual style. These plants are usually indoor plants that cheer up a kitchen, dining room, bed room, office, or living room. it is not difficult to find the right space for a Phalaenopsis orchid because their lack of sent allows for them to be virtually anywhere, as long as they are able to have an indirect light source.