Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis amabilis
Plant Common Name
Lovely Moth Orchid, Lovely Phalaenopsis
General Description
The national flower of Indonesia, the lovely moth orchid bears a short, arching stem with white flowers from autumn to spring. This tropical epiphyte is native to Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines. It naturally grows on the branches of trees over rivers in hot, humid lowlands. This moth orchid is unique in that it needs much brighter light than most others. Healthy plants develop bronze-red tints on their medium green leaves.
The three to five leaves of lovely moth orchid are broad, tongue-shaped and shiny. Each fleshy or leathery leaf arises from nodes along a very short stem. Active growth occurs during the warm rainy season from spring to fall, and new leaves are produced slowly one at a time. From spring to summer, a long, arching flower stalk is produced laden with white flowers that open in succession from the lower part of the stalk upwards. Blooming lasts for a period of a few months. The lateral petals of each flower are large and rounded, while the lips are reduced with three lobes of yellow and pink. As wind catches the flowers, the entire flower stalk bobs, making the blossoms resemble fluttering moths. After the last blossom fades, the stalk remains and will often send up a side shoot from a lower node for a second flush of blooms. From fall to winter the plant slows growth and refrains from flowering.
Grow lovely moth orchid in bright, dappled, partial shade. It is a true epiphyte that should be mounted on a tree trunk or branch, slab of cork, or nestled in a pot or slatted wooden basket. Containers should be filled with bark mix that will allow water to quickly drain. From spring to fall water frequently but only when the plant and any bark have become dry to the touch. Ensure there is high humidity with ample air circulation, too, to prevent and root or crown rot. Occasional liquid fertilizer can be applied in all seasons but fall and winter. Protect plants from frost.
Allow the moth orchid to become rootbound before disturbing it. Do not repot it while it is in bloom but wait until spring when new root growth has just started. To encourage rebloom, cut spent flower stalks back so that three stalk nodes remain. Failure for moth orchids to prosper in an indoor environment is most likely due to overwatering and insufficient light. It needs very bright indirect light; dark green leaves usually mean light levels are too low. The stems make nice cutflowers for bouquets, or the individual flowers can be used as corsages.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
12 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H2
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
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Width
9"-12" / 22.9cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Bronze
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
