Wildlife value of Phalaenopsis — an unexpected bonus

I planted Phalaenopsis primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a grouping with other tropical plants for humidity which allows me to watch the activity up close. repotting best done just after flowering finishes is the most active period for wildlife visits. feeding with a half-strength orchid fertiliser weekly in summer is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. crown rot from water sitting in the leaf crown is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.