"Little Sunny" in the sun
The above orchid is Phalaenopsis “Little Sunny.” It was a door prize at an orchid club meeting, and when I won it, it had two healthy-looking leaves, but not much else. I had no idea what the flowers would look like until it bloomed.
This is a spectacular plant. It has many blooms on multiple spikes, and they are a lovely, waxy, tropical white with interesting pink centers. I display it on a small cake plate to keep the flowers off the table.
I have had this plant for two years and it has been a reliable bloomer so far – another undemanding phal that gives you great bang for your buck – or in my case, no buck!
Here’s a close-up of the luscious blooms, of which there are many:
Digging RI 
How did you do that, dirtynailz? I’ve never had an orchid rebloom. I’m tending one now that is producing a new leaf now that I’ve placed it under a grow light. Any tips would be appreciated.
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I don’t use any special lighting – just really bright sunlight at the window. Orchid species differ in terms of their light and moisture requirements. In the case of phalaenopsis, or “moth orchid” I find that a thorough weekly watering is sufficient. I bring the plants to the sink and spray them with tepid water and let the water run out the bottom. I make sure that no water is left on the plants’ crowns, as that can cause crown rot.
I also feed them, but weakly. One week, they get “Superthrive” the next week they get Michigan State University orchid fertilizer, (in my opinion, the best!) and the third week they just get plain water. I keep this routine for my phals throughout the year. I have also found that they do not like to be too hot. Our house is on the cool side, (low to mid 60s) which is fine. In the summer, I will move the plants away from the window if they show any signs of sun scald.
Remember that these orchids are epiphytes, which means they require good air circulation and light.
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I don’t have a good sunlight window which I why I put mine under a growlight, so maybe that will be a boost. I’ll try the fertilizing regime that you recommend, too.
Maybe mine weren’t getting enough water in the past, but I’ve adjusted that, too. Will definitely check out the MSU fertilizer.
Thanks so much. You’ve inspired me. 🙂
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If you don’t have a sunny window, a growlight is the next best thing. They do need quite a lot of light – something many people don’t understand. I think it’s just a matter of understanding how they grow in the wild, and then finding a way to replicate those conditions as closely as possible at home. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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