These orchids enjoy an extremely high profile among growers and beginners alike. The genus has probably done more in recent years to popularize orchids than any other. This has arisen from the mass-hybridizing that has taken place in parts of the world where these orchids can be raised with comparative ease and shipped to the wholesale market.

These are flattened and silvery white, with clearly visible, green-growing tips. They have a tendency to adhere to any surface with which they come into contact. In a greenhouse, they often attach themselves to the bench upon which they are growing.

Roots that have meandered over the rim of the pot are impossible to get back without snapping. Allow them to wander at will, and, when repotting, leave any live aerial roots outside the pot. Any that have died and are shriveled can be cut off.

Phalaenopsis will also interbreed with other related genera such as Ascocenda and Doritaenopsis, and through Rhynchostylis to Vanda, resulting in some extremely complex and incredible, artificial genera. The natural genus of Phalaenopsis is made up of almost 50 species, originating from the Old World through India, South-east Asia, Indonesia and parts of Australia.

Phalaenopsis can bloom at a time, and it is not unusual for them to bloom two or three times in away and to remain in bloom for mare - It is important, however, that they continues to make new leaves at time as flowering. If too many leaves shed, you should cut off any spikes and allow the plant to grow at until it has three or four leaves allowing it to produce flowers.

The plants are mostly extremely attractive, their broad, fleshy leaves often marbled with light and dark green mottling. They are monopodial in their growth, each new leaf extending from a centre, with the flower spikes coming from the base of the lower leaves.