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.
Phalaenopsis orchids also contribute to indoor air purification. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, improving air quality and providing a healthier living environment, making them not only visually appealing but also beneficial for indoor air.
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 | Houseplants, Orchids |
| Genus | Phalaenopsis |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Height |
10" - 3' (25cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers |
Moth Orchids are low-light orchids. They require shady conditions as in their natural habitats. Moth Orchids thrive in medium light conditions. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. While they can tolerate low light, insufficient light may hinder blooming. Placing them near an east or west-facing window, where they can enjoy gentle morning or late afternoon sun, is ideal. Ensuring they receive adequate light is key to promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Moth Orchids need a minimum night temperature of 61-66°F (16-19°C) and a daytime temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C). Night temperatures to 55°F (13°C) are desirable for several weeks in the fall to initiate flower spikes. Fluctuating temperatures can cause bud drops on plants with buds ready to open.
Because of the absence of any water-retaining pseudobulbs, Moth Orchids need a moist medium – never soggy, but never dry. Water regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering slightly during the winter. Do not let the roots dry out completely. Avoid letting the plant sit in water. Mist the plant lightly in summer.
Avoid overwatering, and be careful to keep water out of the crown of the plant. Water can collect in the natural depression formed by the arching new leaf, and if coupled with low air circulation, it can cause this tender new growth to rot.
Water only in the morning so that the leaves dry by nightfall. This will prevent rot.
Maintain high humidity (50-80%) for most of the year by setting the plant on a tray of gravel partially filled with water so the pot never sits in water.
Feed regularly during the growing season with a proprietary orchid fertilizer but reduce the frequency and/or strength of feeding in winter. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer twice a month if bark-based media is used. Otherwise, a balanced fertilizer is best. When flowering is desired, a high-phosphorus fertilizer can be applied to promote blooming. In winter, fertilizer applications once a month are sufficient.
The best time to repot is in the spring, immediately after flowering, or when new roots with green tips emerge at the base of the plant.
Repotting should be done yearly or every three years, or as the medium decomposes. Moth Orchids must be potted in a porous mix.
To repot, remove all the old medium from the roots, snip off any diseased or dead roots, and spread the remaining roots over a handful of medium in the bottom of a new pot. Fill the rest of the pot with medium, working it among the roots, so that the junction of the roots and the stem is at the top of the medium. Gently ensure the compost is pressed down firmly around the perimeter of the pot. Drain the plant thoroughly and do not allow it to sit in water.
Propagate by division. Cuttings or offshoots may be rooted successfully when roots are 1 in. long (2.5 cm).
Moth Orchids are generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mite,s and mealybugs.
If a plant is large and healthy but does not produce flowers in a reasonable time, then reduce the temperature by 8°F (5°C) for four weeks, and a flower spike will usually develop.
Asgold Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
| Genus | Phalaenopsis |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Height |
10" - 3' (25cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers |
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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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