Orchid-dontics

Dr. Scott LOVES ORCHIDS! You can find him on some Saturdays volunteering at KCC’s Farmers Market at the MH Orchid booth. In this section, he wishes to share his knowledge of orchid care with you!

Current Orchid Project: Phalaenopsis

About: Known as the Moth Orchid, abbreviated Phal in the horticultural trade, is an orchid genus of approximately 60 species. The generic name means “Phalaen[a]-like” and is a reference to the genus Phalaena, the name given by Carl Linnaeus to a group of large moths; the flowers of some species supposedly resemble moths in flight. Most are epiphytic (air plants) and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from debris accumulating around it.

Its petals are of perfect pastel pink for the spring season!

“Xen Pearl” has elegant specks of light purple against the classic white petals.

The “OX Firebird” has a vibrant splash of deep purple with a bright yellow center.

This orchid has a deep fuchsia coloring with white edge making it one of the most expensive and beautiful orchid hybrids today. It almost looks like a slice of ruby red grapefruit.

Let’s start off 2014 with the classic and elegant White Phalaenopsis

This wonderful orchid is known as one of the longest lasting phalaenopsis.

This orchid has a unique maroon and yellow leopard print.

This is my favorite hybrid, coloring notes are pedals are white with edges of light pink, with a purple center. It appears that the pedals have been lightly dipped in pink tie-dye ink!

Orchid Care

Watering (Use Ice Cubes ONLY)

DO: Place 3 to 4 ice cubes once every 5 to 6 days. Place ice cubes on the sides of the plant, never on top of it. Always ice betwe7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Reminder: if you forget to add ice cubes on the designated day, wait and ice plant the next day.

DON’T: Never add ice to plant during afternoon, evenings, or nights. This will cause leaves to yellow and buds to drop.

Adequate Light

DO: Indirect sunlight is best! If this is not available, then incandescent or fluorescent light will be sufficient, providing the light is on all day. Face buds toward light source.

DON’T: Keep in a semi-dark room. The buds will drop, and flowers will die prematurely.

Fertilizers

DON’T: While in the house, we recommend NO fertilizing. If you use the wrong fertilizer, it may affect the longevity of the orchid blooms or cause buds to drop.

How to Keep Your Orchids Longer

• Keep the orchid away from AC vent air flow. The cold air will dehydrate the flowers.
• Certain perfumes/colognes can cause bud death.
• Keep away from strong cooking herbs. Spices can kill the blossom.
• Orchids LOVE light, but HATE heat!
• Lastly, smiling and laughing really help the orchid thrive and blossom.

Contact Your Aiea & Honolulu, HI Orthodontists

At Morita Orthodontics, we offer personalized treatments without sacrificing the care and comfort our patients deserve. Whether you’re interested in clear braces, Invisalign, or traditional metal braces, our orthodontic team is here to answer any of your questions. To schedule an appointment, we encourage you to contact us. We hope to hear from you soon and get you on the path to a beautiful new smile!