The Orchid Station 4505 Burnley Station Road, Barboursville, VA 22923

The Orchid Station is a unique institution located at 4505 Burnley Station Road in Barboursville, Virginia, United States. This institution specializes in modern Phalaenopsis (Phals) orchids, which are hybrids of orchid species native to the Philippines and South East Asia. These orchids bloom in winter and spring, with individual flowers lasting at least a month and mature plants often blooming for four or five months each year.

Phals make excellent houseplants, thriving in normal room temperatures and not requiring bright light. They are similar to African violets in terms of care and can be placed anywhere in the house. Watering should be done when dry, with non-blooming plants tolerating drought and blooming plants needing more constant moisture to maintain buds and blooms.

Fertilization with a balanced household fertilizer is recommended for non-blooming plants, while blooming plants do not need to be fertilized to prolong the life of the blooms. Pruning and initiating bloom spikes is also important for Phals, with a 20-degree drop in temperature at night needed to initiate bloom spikes.

Re-potting Phals every year after blooming is essential for healthy root growth, with different potting mediums such as sphagnum moss or fir bark affecting watering habits. Pests are not a major issue for Phals when grown as houseplants, with Saffer's Insecticidal Soap and 70% alcohol effective for treating aphids and mealy bugs.

Visitors to The Orchid Station can learn more about caring for Phals and purchase these beautiful orchids for their homes. The institution is easily accessible from various locations in Virginia, making it a must-visit destination for orchid enthusiasts.