Phalaenopsis are the most popular of the warm-growing orchids. They have thick, broad leaves, often attractively mottled in silver or grey. They are monopodial, without pseudobulbs; their leaves grow from a basal rhizome, and usually number between three and six at any time. Their roots are also attractive, being flattened, silvery grey and extensive. Often these roots grow outside the pot and adhere strongly to the bench. The flower-spikes – two or three a year on a mature plant – come from near the base, immediately above a lower leaf. There is no strict flowering season.

They are mainly pink and white, with yellow less frequently seen. The flowers will last for several weeks, and old flower spikes will produce more flowers if cut back to a ‘node’ along the stem.

Cymbidiums grow throughout the year and should be watered continually to keep the plants evenly moist at all times. Feeding can be greatly reduced or stopped altogether for the winter, when there is insufficient light to enable the plant to convert the feed. Feeding during the winter could be harmful to the roots.

There are a number of pests which are unkind to cymbidiums. Red spider mite is probably the worst of these. Small and difficult to see, it can build up into large colonies before any signs are noticed. Check regularly and take precautionary measures to keep plants clean. Scale insects of various kinds will also attack these orchids. They are easier to see, but difficult to eradicate should they get a hold. Greenfly on buds is always a threat, but these are easy to destroy’ before any harm is done to soft buds.

Repot when necessary immediately after flowering. Remove the flowers by cutting through the stem about 2.5 cm from the base after the last flower has been open for about two weeks. Potting can then be done earlier and the plant will have a better spring start. Remove the spike if repotting is not required; it will lessen the strain on the plant at a time when the new growth is getting started.

Each following year sees more flowers as the plants reach maturity. Due to their mixed pedigree, most complete their pseudobulb within nine months and bloom regardless of the time of the year. This can mean flowers every nine months, with the plant blooming at a different time each year. Shown above is Wilsonara Tigertalk ‘Beacon