Phalaenopsis
One or more stems of large flower clusters grow out of the base of the plant with flat, dark leaves and silvery aerial roots. In nature they will grow in trees (epiphytes). It is important to note that they are not parasites.
Phalaenopsis orchid detail from my Harnessing the Wind design
Common name:
Phalaenopsis, Moth orchid
Origin:
Colors:
Many variations of white, green, gold, orange, pink, purple and lilac.
Varieties:
In the last few years breeding has led to orchids becoming easier to care for. Though the large clusters of 10 flowers on a stem is still popular a small Phalaenopsis hybrid was also released. This Mini-Phalaenopsis have tiny blossoms. Another new breed is the Harlequin-hybrid. These flowers have small patches of burgundy or red.
Vase life:
Three weeks.
Scent:
None
Uses:
Great as a cut flower, great roots to drape and weave with, great as a pot plant. By far my first choice to design with!
Conditioning:
Give the stem a fresh cut preferably keeping a section of the main stem attached to the flower stem and condition in deep water. Flowers can be revived by bathing them in lukewarm water. As flowering plant: up to three months. After flowers fade give the spike a clean cut just above the second or third node to encourage re-flowering. The entire plant can also be conditioned to use in an arrangement by removing the growth medium and submerging in warm water overnight.
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This is my ongoing creative workbook to research and capture design projects and techniques. You will mostly find ideas for floral art but I will also include some other projects such as gift packaging, cards and even cake decorating with a few lifestyle projects arranged in between.
Everything you see in this workbook was designed, made and photographed by me, unless specific credit is given to another designer.
