Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica
Plant Common Name
Hieroglyphical Phalaenopsis, Hieroglyphics Moth Orchid
General Description
A vigorous and easy-to-grow tropical orchid, the hieroglyphics moth orchid bears a short stem with creamy flowers heavily adorned with pink or bronze spots that look like tiny Egyptian hieroglyphics. Naturally found growing as an epiphyte on tree branches in the sweltering lowland forests in the Philippines, it forms a clump that looks somewhat pendulous.
Its light to medium green leaves are oblong, tongue-shaped and number from a few to many. Each is slightly leathery and rises from nodes on a very short stem. New leaves are added slowly and singularly during the warm rainy season from spring to fall. When days lengthen in late spring and summer, a short branched flower stalk is produced revealing three or four long-lasting flowers that open at the same time. Each glossy, starry blossom is white to pale yellow with hundreds of pink, bronze or golden speckles. The floral lips are pale pink. After the last blossom fades, the stalk remains and will rebloom in subsequent springs if it remains alive and green. From fall to winter, plants are dormant.
Hieroglyphics 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.
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, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Yellow, Gold, Pink, Coral, Bronze, Ivory
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Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light Green
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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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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
