Description:
Native to Indonesia and Java, phalaenopsis or moth orchids (because of their moth-like shape) are one of the easiest orchids to grow and make ideal houseplants. The plants have broad green leaves that spread outward. They display their flowers on arched sprays and may produce several branches. Although they look delicate, they are in fact very sturdy. One stem can carry as many as 9 or more large, waxy, flat flowers that bloom for 3 months or even more. Often a second flowering occurs within the year. The flowers come in a wide range of sizes and colours, from stunning pure whites through pastel and deep pinks to yellows and peachy shades.
How to Grow:
Light
Moth orchids prefer moderate to bright light and do well indoors under normal household lighting conditions. Try an east window where nights are cooler than during the daytime. Avoid direct sunlight because the leaves burn easily.
Temperature
Moth orchids enjoy much the same temperature as we do. Minimum temperatures at night are about 18° C (65° F), with warmer temperatures during the daytime. In winter, providing a couple of weeks of cooler temperatures 13° C (55° F) will encourage flowering.
Fertilizer
In spring and summer feed once a month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer (20-20-20) mixed at half strength. In the fall and winter fertilize every 3 weeks at ¼ strength.
Watering Needs
Water thoroughly, and then allow the soil to dry to 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the surface between waterings.
Humidity
Moth orchids enjoy moist air. A humidity level of 55-75% is ideal. Placing your plant on a tray with pebbles increases the humidity around the plant. Be sure that the pot does not sit directly in the water. Gently misting plants early in the morning also helps.
Soil
Moth orchids like well aerated, free draining soil and prefer their roots to dry between waterings. Use a commercially prepared orchid mix that is ideally suited for this.
Propagation
Most moth orchids develop small plantlets called keikis on the flowering stalk. After the plantlets have 3 leaves and 7.5 cm (3 inches) of roots they can be cut away and potted up.
When to Grow
Moth orchids are available in bloom at retailers from October into spring. Although from time to time you may find them in bloom at other times of the year.
Tips:
Getting Your Orchid to Rebloom
Moth orchids require slight changes in temperature to initiate blooming. After flowering, cut the stem back to just above a node leaving around 20 cm (8 inches) of the stem. Often a secondary spike or flower is produced from this node. If a healthy plant fails to produce a flower spike in a reasonable time (8 months), reduce the room temperature by 5° C (10° F) for two to weeks.
Recommended Varieties:
- ‘Amabilis’ - white with a yellow throat.
- ‘Brother Little Amaglad’ - blotchy pink, small but extremely long lasting, usually reblooms within a year.
- ‘Brother Sara Gold’ - long lasting gold flowers with a bright fuchsia-coloured centre.
- ‘Dragon’s Charm’ - Creamy based flowers, approx 8 cm, across, with raspberry pink spots.
- ‘Pink Twilight’ - Deep pink blooms with attractively marked lip. Flower is approx 9 cm across.