The beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid are Europe's number one selling indoor plant; and in New Zealand we are increasingly enjoying them in our homes also.
The orchids are easy care, requiring a little water and bright room light; but not liking direct sunlight; and a room temperature that you are comfortable in; (ie a room that is heated in winter)
The plants will flower for 2 to 3 months at a time, and come in a range of flower colours including white, yellow, apricots, and many shades of pink from light to very dark cerise. Some flowers have different colour veining or even blotches of colour on the flower petals.
During Summer the plants need watering about once a week, and need less than 1/4 of a cup of water; the roots are grown in bark as they require excellent drainage; If the day after watering the bottom of the plant pot is still sitting in water, then you may have given too much water. In this case you should empty the water out of the bottom of the pot, as the plants don't like to be sitting in water. In the water you should add a little liquid orchid plant food to keep the plant healthy; (follow the directions for the dilution rate to use on the bottle). I like to use the Yates brand 'Thrive'. In winter the plants will only need watering once every two or three weeks. Take care when watering and try not to get water on the leaves; if water stays on the leaves it can cause them to rot. If in doubt about watering remember it is better to under water than over water an orchid.
If you look you will notice that the plant is growing in a clear plastic pot which is inside a coloured outer pot; you can carefully slide up the edges of the inner plastic pot ( it is not easy; and two pairs of hands makes it easier) and it will lift out so you can check if any water is sitting in the bottom. If there is water in the bottom empty it out and reduce the amount of water you give the orchid next time.
Once the flowers have finished often the old flower stem will re-flower. If you cut the old stem off just above the wee notch (which is a bud) the bud will usually come into growth and produce a second lot of flowers. Sometimes the old flower stem just goes brown and if this happens it wont re-flower, so remove it stem completely at the base. A completely new flower stem will arise over time from a healthy plant; usually after the plant has produced a new leaf. If your plant has shown no signs of a new flower stem after 5 months then it may need to be in a brighter light position; so move it to a different spot in the house.
Every now and then carefully wipe the leaves with a cloth to remove any dust. Enjoy your orchids.