Whether it’s a punnet of the current annuals release, the latest variety of a container grown perennial or a special plant such as a Phalaenopsis orchid, each would bring a smile of the joy for the flowering weeks to come.

While there are numerous nurseries devoted to orchids throughout the world, more Phalaenopsis are raised than any other genus.

The huge increase in their popularity over the last few years is arguably due to the great interest in orchids as house plants, and the ease with which these classic blooms settle into centrally heated winter or summer climate homes where they will flower for a number of months or, in the right conditions, most of the year round.

These South East Asian tropical lowland epiphytes grow in warm, moist conditions with no real seasonal changes, allowing them to grow and flower almost continuously.

Provided they are kept moist and fed regularly, a well-lit position (no direct sunlight, which will burn and damage the foliage, and away from a dark corner of the room which would offer insufficient light for growth), they will thrive. 

A net curtain between the plant and the glass will ensure the right amount of dappled light to encourage free flowering.

Because of its epiphytic nature, in natural habitat the plant roots act as a freely-drained but firm anchor on the host tree, so a container grown plant does not like to stand permanently in water (which will quickly contribute to root rot).

Between the base of the flower spike and the blooms are a number of eyes along the stem. After flowering is finished it is usual to cut the stem about 1cm above the strongest and plumpest eye. The chances are that you will have a new display of bloom within a few months.

There are few problems associated with growing Phalaenopsis as an indoor plant. Root rot from overwatering maybe, but perhaps the most serious is an attack of mealy bug, a white coated sap sucking insect that lives on the undersides and base of the foliage or backs of the flowers. Fortunately it can often be removed with a dab of methylated spirits or a small brush and soapy water.