Episode 37 - The Butterfly Orchid

The Phalaenopsis or "Butterfly Orchid" is popular here.

This variety of orchid may blossom twice in one flowering season. If you purchase a flowering Butterfly Orchid from the flower market in the Chinese New Year, the flowers will last for around 2 weeks. Don't dispose of the plant after the first round of flowers as you may be able to get another round of flowers in April. The following method appears to be useful in getting the second round of flowers:

1. Cut out 3/4 or more of the the flower stem after the first round of flowers;
2. Water and fertilze the orchid as usual;
3. move it outdoor for a short period everyday so that it can receive sufficient sunshine and fresh air;
4. A new flower shoot may grow out from the side of the old flower stem in one month or so.

You will not be able to get a new flower shoot if your orchid has already blossomed the second round of flowers.

The photo shows a Butterfly Orchid blossoming the second round of flowers. The flowers are smaller in size than those in the first round.