Family: Orchidaceae
Phalaenopsis ‘Monterry’ is a small-sized Phalaenopsis hybrid with attractive flowers that display dotted and spotted, deep-plum coloured markings that radiate out from each petal; the petals are all highlighted with a silvery coloured picotee edging which really enhances this Phalaenopsis’ blooms. If you are drawn to Phalaenopsis ‘Monterry’, you might also want to look out for Phalaenopsis ‘Champion Swan’ and Phalaenopsis ‘Happy Hour’, as these orchids produce flowers with similarly intense colourings and markings.
When choosing where to position your Phalaenopsis ‘Monterry’ plant, look for an area where the light is bright but is still gentle; avoid harsh, direct light as it’s likely to scorch your orchid’s sensitive leaves. South-facing windows are usually a poor choice, as the sunlight will be too intense, unless you have voile curtains or blinds that filter and subdue the sunshine. Take care to avoid areas where afternoon sunlight shines brightest, as the sun is more powerful in the afternoon.
Avoid growing Phalaenopsis ‘Monterry’ on a window sill above a radiator, as this is too dry an environment for these orchids. Phalaenopsis thrive in a humid environment; if you’re growing Phalaenopsis, keep these plants away from cold draughts or ovens, stoves, open fires, or radiators. There are some easy ways to improve the growing conditions for your Phalaenopsis ‘Monterry’ plants. Phalaenopsis orchids are very happy to be grouped together with other orchids and houseplants to form a group. Pebble trays topped up with water can also help to provide your Phalaenopsis ‘Monterry’ plant with its preferred growing conditions. When using pebble trays, place an upturned saucer over the pebbles and place your Phalaenopsis on top, ensuring that the base of your plant’s pot is above the water – so the pot won’t become wet.
I fertilise my orchids with Orchid Focus Grow for my plants that aren’t in flower and Orchid Focus Bloom for my plants that are in bud or in bloom. I dilute my Orchid Focus fertiliser with rainwater, following the recommended dosage on the pack. I apply this dilute feed once a week for three weeks in a row and then on the fourth week I skip the fertiliser altogether for one week and then resume fertilising my plants once a week, when the four-week process starts again.
Phalaenopsis are tender plants. These orchids need to be grown in a protected environment indoors, where the temperatures are always above a minimum night time temperature or 13C (55F).
To see my full guide on how to grow and re-flower Phalaenopsis orchids, please click here.
This Phalaenopsis ‘Monterry’ plant was sent to me by Love Orchids. Here’s a link to Love Orchids website where you can purchase your own British grown Phalaenopsis orchid.
To see more of my houseplant pages with pictures and information on a wide range of indoor plants, please click here.
To see my plant page menu with links to all of my plant pages, including vegetables, fruit, herbs, perennials, trees, shrubs, climbers, scented plants, roses, daffodils, orchids, terrarium plants, ferns, houseplants, orchids, please click here.
