Moth Orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
Also known as
Orchid
Photo by cottagegarden78 (All rights reserved)
Partial Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H1b-H1a
RHS hardiness
10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Moth Orchid
Moth Orchid Overview
The genus Phalaenopsis comprises about 50 species and over 32,000 registered hybrids which produce oval, fleshy, sometimes mottled, green leaves. Their flowers remain in bloom for a long while. Moth Orchids are one of the easiest orchids to grow in the home. With a few basic requirements, these plants will reward owners with several months of beautiful blooms. It's recommended that, when the blooms are finished, the spike is cut down to the level of the leaves – that way, the plant will bloom with larger flowers, and produce a strong stem within a year. Unlike many other orchids, Phalaenopsis can be repotted at anytime, but it is usually best to do so when not in bloom.
Common problems with Moth Orchid
How to propagate Moth Orchid
Cuttings
Small plantlets (keiki) appear from the nodes on the flower stems. Detach the plantlets when they have developed several good roots, and pot them up in orchid compost. Water sparingly at first.
Division
You can propagate by division in the spring.
Special features of Moth Orchid
Attractive flowers
Indoor plant
Should be cultivated inside, ideally on a windowsill with dappled sunlight.
Pot plant
These plants are epiphytic, so if not attached to a branch of a tree, they should be grown in pots. Use a proprietary orchid compost like bark.
Other uses of Moth Orchid
Grown for their beautiful and unusual flowers.
