Commonly referred to as the “moth orchid”, Phalaenopsis are one of the longest blooming orchid genera producing flowers that last from 2 to 6 months before dropping. Phalaenopsis have also been known to bloom 2 to 3 times per year once they have reached a mature size.

These photos are of my Phalaenopsis LAST season.  They were lovely!  They bloomed, and bloomed and then later they bloomed again.  And then they somehow got infested with mealy bugs and right now they are living outside on the patio where they can be sprayed with a mild soap and insecticide solution every few days.  And they are barely surviving.

I can’t tell you how much I HATE it!

I’m actually praying over them. I DO NOT want to throw the plants away and start all over collecting an assortment of mini phals to brighten my studio. That would be tragic!  Don’t you agree ?

Are they like people?  Do they grow old, get an infection and fail to recover? I’m not ready to accept that diagnosis.