Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis equestris
Plant Common Name
Horse Moth Orchid, Horse Phalaenopsis
General Description
The easy-to-grow horse moth orchid bears many small violet, white, and lavender blossoms almost year round, but most abundantly from autumn to spring. Naturally found growing as an epiphyte on the branches of riverside trees in the hot, humid lowlands of Taiwan and the Philippines, this moth orchid has a tendency to produce lots of young plantlets (known as keikis) upon the branching flower stalk. It is one of the easiest tropical orchids to grow and will consistently flower if given dry winter conditions.
Clumps produce up to five oval leaves that are broad, tongue-shaped and curved. Each fleshy leaf rises from nodes along a very short stem. As the node elongates, it slowly adds a new leaf one by one. Active growth occurs during the warm rainy season from spring to fall. From autumn to spring, a multi-branched flower stalk appears that can bloom over several months. The stalk produces many violet-purple flowers, often with lighter lavender or white edges, that open in succession from the bottom of the stalk upwards. The lateral petals are club-shaped, while the lobed lip is speckled with violet. 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 may rebloom sporadically or form young plantlets on the stem tips. From fall to winter, the plant falls into a period of dormancy.
Horse moth orchid thrives in hot tropical climates and requires bright filtered light for good growth and flowering. It is a true epiphyte that grows best mounted on a tree trunk, cork slab or nestled in a slatted basket or pot. Containers should be filled with bark mix. From spring to fall water frequently but only when the plant and bark are dry to the touch. Provide high humidity and ample air circulation to prevent rot. Light applications of liquid fertilizer should be applied in fall and winter. Protect 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 reblooming, 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. This orchid needs very bright indirect light; dark green leaves usually mean light levels are too low. The stems make nice cutflowers for bouquets.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Full Shade
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Height
5"-7" / 12.7cm - 17.8cm
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Width
7"-9" / 17.8cm - 22.9cm
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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, China
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
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
