The easiest orchid to rebloom indoors is The Moth Orchid or Phalaenopsis. They come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, but all commonly found Phalaenopsis orchids require the same basic care. Here are several reasons why the Phalaenopsis orchid works well as a houseplant and continues to be by far the most common orchid bought and sold:
Everyone has a suitable location indoors for a Phalaenopsis orchid to survive and thrive, because they do not require any direct sun. Indirect light is adequate for reblooming. They grow well in homes, offices, lobbies, restaurants and other indoor locations.
An individual flower can last for several months! That means the entire flower spike could be in bloom for most of the year! For certain types of orchids, the flowers may only last a couple of weeks. However, I have seen individual Phalaenopsis flowers bloom for 4-5 months! Given that, it’s easy to see why the Phalaenopsis is replacing cut flowers.
Unlike most orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids can rebloom on the same flower spike several times! That means one flower spike could last several years.
Phalaenopsis reblooming on the same flower spike!
Many tropical orchids, including the Phalaenopsis, are epiphytes. That is they grow in trees! Any plant that grows in trees will have adaptations that allow them (require them) to dry out some between waterings. Epiphytic plants will not tolerate constantly wet conditions in their pot. So guess what?! That means that if you forget to water your Phalaenopsis once in a while, it’s probably a good thing.
Have fun growing Phalaenopsis orchids!!!!!!
Cheers, Chuck