As the profile tells us, the orchid family comes with a staggering 30,000 species. Two floral symbols have emerged that will transform your windowsill into an exotic sea of flowers. Get to know the two popular orchid species better here, representative of the huge variety of species. Use our tips for professional care.
The Dendrobium nobile has an unusual growth habit
Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium are very popular
Orchids were once considered unaffordable luxury goods that could only be cultivated by experts in display cases. Thanks to the two orchid species Phalaenopsis amabilis and Dendrobium nobile and their countless hybrids, the queen of flowers now resides on almost every windowsill. Better known by their popular names butterfly orchid and grape orchid, they captivate us with these attributes:
Phalaenopsis amabilis
- Large, white flowers in terminal racemes up to 10 cm in diameter
- Long-lasting flowering period over several months
- Glossy green, elliptical leaves
- Growth height 40 to 60 cm
Dendrobium nobile
- Stemlike bulbs set throughout with large flowers and leaves
- Flowering time of at least 8 weeks
- Growth height 50 to 60 cm
Both orchid species thrive as epiphytes in their tropical home. They prefer to sit high up in the crowns of mighty jungle trees, where they catch the rainwater with their aerial roots.
Care tips in a nutshell
The popularity of butterfly and grape orchids is based not least on the uncomplicated care requirements. We have summarized for you what the two orchid species really value:
- A light-flooded location without harsh sunlight
- Temperatures around 25 degrees in summer and not below 18 degrees in winter
- Tropical humidity of 60 to 80 percent
- Soak in filtered rainwater once or twice a week and spray daily
- Fertilize with liquid every 2 to 3 weeks from May to October
- Never plant in normal potting soil, only in special pine bark substrate
In winter, orchids like to be a little cooler and drier. A bright window seat is still very popular with royal flowers.
tips
The German orchid of the year 2022 is in no way inferior to its exotic conspecifics in terms of beauty. The white forest bird (Cephalanthera damasonium) inspires with lavish blooms from mid-May to mid-July. More than 20 ivory-colored flowers unfurl above dark green, glossy leaves on stems up to 60 cm high.