Phalaenopsis-- (Blume 1825) is a genus of approximately 60 species of orchid (family Orchidaceae). The generic name originates from the Greek phalaina, “moth” and opsis, “like”, descriptive of the inflorescences of some species, which resemble moths in flight. For this reason, “Phals” are sometimes called “Moth orchids”. They are native throughout Southeast Asia from the Himalayan mountains to the Philippines and Northern Australia. Orchid Island of Taiwan is named after this orchid. Most are epiphytic shade plants; a few are lithophytes. In the wild they are typically found below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight. Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial growth habit. An erect growing rhizome produces from the top one or two alternate, thick and fleshy, elleptical leaves a year. The older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. The plant retains in this way four to five leaves. They have no pseudobulbs. The raceme appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full glory for several weeks. The species can be classified into two groups : 1.)  A group with a long, branched inflorescence (up to 1 m long) and large, almost round flowers with rose or white tints. 2.)  A group with short stems and less rounded, waxy flowers with more pronounced colors. Intensive cross-fertilization has produced a great number of hybrids in all colors and variations. Phalaenopsis are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants owing to the ease of propagation and flowering under artificial conditions. They were among the first tropical orchids in Victorian collections. They are extremely easy to grow and flower in the home, as long as some care is taken to provide them with conditions that approximate their native habitats. In nature, they are typically fond of warm temperatures (68 to 95 F/20 to 35 C), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human habitation in temperate zones (60 to 86 F/15 to 30 C). Phals require high humidity (60-70%) and low light (around 1,200 to 2,000 foot-candles). Flowering is triggered by a daily drop in temperature of around 10 degrees Fahrenheit (or 6 degrees Celsius) for 2 to 4 consecutive weeks.