Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids when they are not in bloom

The Phalaenopsis orchid (AKA moth orchid) needs to have care while not in bloom to produce those fantastic blooms that you want to sell. You can't neglect them thinking they have gone dormant.

I meet a woman the other day whom had gotten several Phalaenopsis orchids as gifts and they had just stopped blooming. I asked why the roots were dried out. She told me that the plants were "resting" and was told they did not need much care. I told her she was misinformed and they do need water and fertilizer so they can bloom again.

Don't fall for those same misconceptions. Below is a video that has some very good advice on how to care for your Phalaenopsis orchids when not in bloom.

Blue Orchids and how you can grow them

I was in my local Safeway grocery store and happen to see the blue moth orchids in the florist section. I was so taken by their beauty that I took the photo above. In fact I took several photos of them. 

Yes they were charging $29.99 for them. I was so enthralled by them that I asked the woman behind the counter more about them. You see, true blue orchids are RARE and I thought that there had been a break through in genetics. Here is what she told me -

The blue orchids are the result of food coloring. The food coloring is put in the water of the white orchids and the results are the blue color of the petals. The next blooming cycle, the orchids will revert to their normal white color. 

So if that truly works (I have yet to try it) then you can make any color orchid (moth orchid at least) from the color food dye you want. Give it a try and see the results you get. It would also make a fascinating science project for kids.

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