Phalaenopsis ‘Optifriend’ Orchid with Self-Watering Pot

Phalaenopsis ‘Optifriend’ is a beautifully compact premium moth orchid, grown in the Netherlands by specialist orchid grower Opti-flor. Despite its small 7cm nursery pot, each plant produces an impressive display of flowers on a minimum of two flowering stems, making it a lovely splash of colour for a windowsill, desk or side table.

Even better, this orchid comes complete with its own coordinating ceramic Aquo pot with a wick-fed self-watering reservoir. The clever system allows the orchid to draw up moisture gradually from the reservoir below, making it particularly easy to care for.

Colour lucky dip: Your orchid and coordinating pot will be carefully selected from our current assortment, so the exact flower colour and combination you receive will be a surprise.

The Aquo Self-Watering System

The included ceramic pot features Opti-flor's clever Aquo watering system. A wick passes through the base of the orchid's nursery pot and hangs into a small water reservoir below, allowing the plant to take up moisture gradually as it needs it.

Add approximately 1–2cm of water to the bottom of the ceramic pot and make sure the wick reaches the water. The plastic nursery pot itself should remain above the water rather than sitting directly in it.

Check the reservoir around once a week and top it up when needed. This takes much of the guesswork out of watering and helps provide the orchid with a steady supply of moisture without leaving its roots waterlogged.

Light & Position

Phalaenopsis orchids grow best in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing windowsill is ideal, or position the orchid a little further back from a brighter window.

Avoid strong direct summer sunshine, which can scorch the leaves and flowers, and keep the plant away from radiators and cold draughts.

Watering

When using the included Aquo pot, simply maintain a small amount of water in the reservoir and allow the wick to supply moisture to the roots.

The roots are also a useful guide to your orchid's hydration. Healthy, recently watered roots are usually green, while roots that are becoming pale or silvery indicate that the plant is ready for more water.

Take care not to leave water sitting in the centre of the leaves, as moisture trapped in the crown can encourage rot.

Temperature & Humidity

Phalaenopsis orchids are particularly well suited to warm indoor conditions. Aim for normal household temperatures of around 16–25°C and protect the plant from sudden temperature changes.

Normal household humidity is generally suitable. Aerial roots growing outside the nursery pot are completely normal and should not be cut off or pushed back into the compost.

Feeding

Feed lightly during spring and summer using a specialist orchid fertiliser. Orchids need relatively little feed, so follow the manufacturer's dilution instructions and avoid overfeeding.

Flowering & Reblooming

Moth orchids are loved for their exceptionally long-lasting flowers, which can remain attractive for many weeks. With good care, a healthy Phalaenopsis can also flower again year after year.

When the last flowers have faded, a still-green flowering stem can be trimmed just above a healthy lower node. This may encourage a new flowering side shoot.

If the entire stem eventually turns yellow or brown and dries out, cut it back close to the base of the plant and allow the orchid to concentrate its energy on producing fresh growth and, in time, another flower spike.

Why You'll Love It

• Premium miniature Phalaenopsis grown by Opti-flor in the Netherlands
• Minimum of two flowering stems
• Abundant, long-lasting flowers despite its compact size
• Includes a coordinating ceramic pot
• Clever wick-fed Aquo self-watering reservoir
• Compact enough for windowsills, desks and side tables
• Can rebloom year after year with the right care
• Lucky dip from our current selection of beautiful colours

Pet & Child Safety

Phalaenopsis orchids are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. As with any houseplant, however, we recommend discouraging pets and young children from chewing the foliage or flowers.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis hybrid
Common Name: Moth Orchid
Grower: Opti-flor, Netherlands
Collection: Optifriend
Nursery Pot Size: 7cm diameter
Approximate Height: Around 25cm depending on variety
Flowering Stems: Minimum 2
Decorative Pot: Coordinating ceramic Aquo pot included
Watering System: Wick-fed reservoir
Flower Colour: Lucky dip from the available selection
Position: Bright, indirect light

Please note: This product is supplied as a lucky dip from our current Optifriend selection. Flower colour, pattern, pot colour, height and exact number of open blooms will naturally vary from the photographs.