As the profile tells us, the orchid family has a dizzying 30,000 species. Two floral favorites have emerged that will transform your windowsill into an exotic sea of flowers. Get to know the two popular orchid species better here, representing the huge diversity of species. Use our tips for professional care.
How should orchid species such as Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium be cared for?
The popular orchid species Phalaenopsis amabilis and Dendrobium nobile require a light-flooded location, temperatures between 18-25 degrees, high humidity, weekly immersion in rainwater, regular fertilization and a special pine bark substrate for optimal care.
Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium are very popular
Orchids were once considered unaffordable luxury goods that experts could only cultivate in display cases. Thanks to the two orchid species Phalaenopsis amabilis and Dendrobium nobile and their countless hybrids, the queen of flowers now resides on almost every windowsill. Better known by their popular names butterfly orchid and grape orchid, they captivate us with these attributes:
Phalaenopsis amabilis
- Large, white flowers in terminal racemes up to 10 cm in diameter
- Long-lasting flowering period over several months
- Glossy green, elliptical leaves
- Growth height 40 to 60 cm
Dendrobium nobile
- Stem-like bulbs consistently covered with large flowers and leaves
- Flowering period of at least 8 weeks
- Growth height 50 to 60 cm
Both orchid species thrive as epiphytes in their tropical homeland. They prefer to sit high up in the crown area of mighty jungle trees, where they catch rainwater with their aerial roots.
Care tips in brief
The popularity of butterfly and grape orchids is based not least on their uncomplicated care requirements. We have summarized for you what the two types of orchids really value:
- A light-flooded location without bright sunlight
- In summer temperatures around 25 degrees, in winter not below 18 degrees
- Tropical humidity of 60 to 80 percent
- Dip in filtered rainwater once or twice a week and spray daily
- Fertilize liquidly every 2 to 3 weeks from May to October
- Never plant in normal potting soil, but only in special pine bark substrate
In winter, orchids like to be a little cooler and drier. A bright window seat is still very popular with the royal flowers.
Tip
The German orchid of the year 2017 is in no way inferior in beauty to its exotic counterparts. The white forest bird (Cephalanthera damasonium) delights with its lavish flowers from mid-May to mid-July. More than 20 ivory-colored flowers unfold above dark green, shiny leaves on stems up to 60 cm high.