MOTH ORCHID

PHALAENOPSIS

Moth orchids are the most widely available and easy to grow of all orchids. They’re loved for their tropical-looking blooms, which come in a multitude of colors and with exquisite markings. If grown in filtered light and moderate humidity, the plant’s arching stems will produce eight or more flowers.

HEIGHT 36in (90cm)

SPREAD 24in (60cm)

FLOWERS Vast range of colors

FOLIAGE Dark green

LIGHT Filtered sun

TEMPERATURE 61–81°F (16–27°C)

CARE Easy

PLACE OF ORIGIN Southeast Asia

CARE

Moth orchids will thrive on an east- or west-facing windowsill, where they can enjoy filtered sunlight. The ideal temperature to encourage flowers on the plants is 70°F (21°C). Avoid drafts and temperature changes.

These orchids should always be planted into a clear pot, as their roots benefit from receiving light. A special orchid potting mix is perfect. This should be kept evenly moist with tepid rainwater, as the plants react badly to hard tap water. The most effective way to water the plant is to soak the container and then allow the water to drain out onto the draining board.

Encourage flowers by feeding the plants in spring and summer with a special orchid fertilizer and by keeping them in a fairly tight pot. Overpotting will result in lots of foliage and no flowers, so only repot them when the moth orchid is pushing itself right out of the potting mix. Repot into a slightly larger container.

Once flowers have faded, cut the stem back to just above the second node from the base of the plant.

DK

Allow light to reach the roots by growing orchids in a clear pot.

PROBLEM SOLVING Too much direct sunlight will result in the yellowing of leaves, and too little light will lead to very dark green foliage. For a plant to produce flowers and be healthy it should have light green foliage—so aim for this color.

If the arching flower stems become limp and floppy, support them with a small, green garden stake and plant ties.

DISPLAY

For real success, moth orchids need to be planted in fairly tight, individual containers—for this reason, they’re not suitable candidates for a mixed planting design. However, they look wonderful when they’re grouped with other flowering plants such as the cymbidium and the rose of China—both these plants enjoy similar growing conditions to the moth orchid.

Houseplants A–Z | MOTH ORCHID

ALSO TRY

Orchids are among the most striking of all flowers. The most fanatical gardeners build orchid houses for their collections, but these plants happily grow in the home. Add to your collection with these beauties:

  • Noble dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile), height 24in (60cm). This plant has stems of gorgeous orchid flowers, usually in pink and white.
  • Pansy orchid (Miltoniopsis), height 24in (60cm). This orchid has fragrant, pansylike flowers. Its blooms appear in the spring or fall, depending on the hybrid.
DK

Filtered sun and high humidity are care needs of noble dendrobium.

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