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Orchids are arguably one of the most popular and eye-catching houseplants around. Their graceful stems and strikingly beautiful blooms create a statement all on their own. Phalaenopsis orchids, or moth orchids, are a particularly lovely but often misunderstood member of the orchid family. Their needs vary slightly from some other tropical plants you may have in your home. So, check out this handy guide on everything you need to know about caring for your phalaenopsis orchid.
Phalaenopsis orchids have slender, reaching stems and delicate blooms, which evoke a certain zen-like feeling to any space you choose to place them. They get their more common name, moth orchid, from the recognizable shape of their flowers. They have two prominent petals that resemble a moth’s wings. Phalaenopsis orchid flowers, which come in various colors, can last for months at a time. Originating from Southeast Asia and parts of Australia, this peculiar plant type anchors itself to a tree, collecting and storing moisture from the odd rainfall. This means that they don’t grow in soil like other plants.
Their life cycle has, at times, been cause for confusion as it is typical for the large leaves to wither away as the plant prepares to flower. They are also not a plant for the impatient type, as it can take up to three months to produce blooms. With that said, once it has flowered, those beautiful blooms can stick around for about three months. And, if kept in the right conditions, it could rebloom about once a year, even right here in Arkansas.
As mentioned, the moth orchid has some unique care requirements, but they are still relatively simple to maintain. Here are a few tips for ideal lighting conditions, soil conditions, watering needs, and fertilization that will help keep your moth orchid healthy and happy.
Moth orchids prefer bright but indirect sunlight. As they generally grow under tropical canopies in the wild, too much direct sunlight can have a scalding effect on them. If you are hoping to place your orchid on a windowsill, an east or west-facing window is ideal, or even simply putting a sheer curtain in front of it to diffuse the light will help your moth orchid thrive.
Moth orchids also love warmth. Try to keep them in a space that sits around 70˚F to 75˚F during the day and 60˚F and 65˚F at night.
Phalaenopsis orchids, which are epiphytes, grow from trees in the wild, not in soil. This means the ideal medium for them is something that will closely mimic a tree trunk, which is why you often see them growing in a potting material that is a combination of moss and bark. You can buy a commercial potting mix made just for orchids, which will help the plant retain the right amount of water and provide the rooting system with the proper amount of air circulation.
In addition to getting the potting medium just right, proper drainage is an absolute necessity for your orchid to survive. Their root system does not do well in standing water, but rather in an environment where water can flow freely.
When it comes to watering your moth orchid, the “less is more” theory stands true. These beautiful flowers do not need much water and prefer their growing medium to have the opportunity to dry out completely between waterings, which can take about a week or so.
You also want to avoid watering the leaves or flowers of your orchid but rather stick to watering the roots about two to three times a month. Let the water run through the bark and moss, through the drainage holes in the pot, and then dispose of any standing water so that the roots don’t end up soaking in it. Allowing the roots to soak in standing water can drown them and lead to root rot.
A healthy and well cared for moth orchid can definitely benefit from added fertilizer, but you should only use a fertilizer formulated specifically for orchids. The safest way to fertilize your orchid is by mixing it at half-strength and using it more frequently versus using a full-strength fertilizer infrequently. The reason for this is that their ideal growing medium of bark and moss doesn’t hold moisture or nutrients as well as soil, so being fertilized at half-strength more frequently will be more beneficial overall.
If you are looking to buy your first ever moth orchid in Fayetteville, look no further. Stop by your local Westwood Gardens location, and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have before you get that beautiful statement piece blooming alongside the rest of your plant collection.
