Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis

Characteristics

Culture

Indoors, phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) is grown in pots in a fir bark based medium with superior drainage. It prefers warm, humid, damp but not soggy conditions in shady locations (bright light with no sun). It serves as an excellent houseplant as long as basic growing conditions can be met. Plants will tolerate some brief temperature extremes, but temperatures in excess of 95 degrees F or below 55 degrees F should be avoided. Water thoroughly with tepid water in mornings only. Place potted plants in a sink and allow water to flow freely through the potting medium and foliage. Water mature plants one time per week (more often in the heat of the summer) and allow the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. In order to help prevent the onset of stem/root rots, plants should never stand in water, should never be watered at night and should never accumulate water on the crowns. Fertilize on a regular schedule by application (after watering) of a balanced fertilizer at the rate of twice monthly at half strength or weekly at quarter strength.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Moth orchids are popular house plants that, with proper care, will flower repeatedly once per year (sometimes more often) with the flowers lasting for four months or more. They are mostly grow on trunks and branches of trees without taking water or nourishment therefrom, but are sometimes grow on rocks taking nourishment from the atmosphere. Showy flattened flowers (each 3-6” wide) appear in long sprays on arching stems in a range of colors including white, cream, light yellow and purple-pink. Large leathery succulent leaves (to as much as 18”) are elliptic and come directly from the rootstock.   In order for it to re-bloom: in fall, when the temperatures drop into the 60s, move it outdoors into a very bright, but shady location. No direct sun. Leave it out about two weeks, and bring it in before temperatures dip into the 50s. This treatment initiates the buds that will bloom in late winter.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Scale, mealy bugs, slugs and snails may appear. Root/stem rots. Bud blast (bud drop without blooming) has a number of possible causes including changes in temperature, humidity, moisture, fertilizer or location.

Garden Uses

Potted plants for sunrooms and larger window sills. Plants may be taken outside in summer under trees, but never placed in direct afternoon sun.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder