Moth Orchids
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) is a genus of 60 species and several natural hybrids growing in tropical Asia to the Pacific Islands and Australia. These orchids are usually epiphytic (growing on trees), but occasionally lithophytic (growing on rocks) or terrestrial. They are among the most popular cultivated orchids and thousands of hybrids have been made throughout the years.
Phalaenopsis have a monopodial growth habit and lack pseudobulbs. They produce oval, fleshy leaves sometimes flushed with purple or mottled with gray or silver, which makes the plants attractive even when not in flower.
The showy flattened flowers are generally long-lasting (4 months or more) and they come in a myriad of colors with spots and stripe combinations. The inflorescences range from short with few flowers to very branched floriferous stems. Healthy plants can flower often, sometimes with a few flowers throughout the year, though the main season is late winter into spring.
As an added bonus, some species are sweetly fragrant.
Moth Orchids are particularly beautiful and fairly easy to grow in the home or in the greenhouse. Adaptable, they are perfect for the beginner gardener.
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Orchids |
Genus | Phalaenopsis |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height |
10" - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread |
6" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers |
Asgold Shutterstock
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Orchids |
Genus | Phalaenopsis |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height |
10" - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread |
6" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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