Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis mariae
Plant Common Name
Maria's Moth Orchid, Maria's Phalaenopsis
General Description
From spring to fall, Maria's moth orchid bears many small white blossoms adorned with rust-orange spots. Naturally found growing as an epiphyte on the tree branches in the dense humid forests of Borneo (Indonesia) and the Philippines, this moth orchid has a tendency to form young plantlets (known as keikis) upon its aging flower stalks.
The fleshy leaves of this small orchid are broad, tongue-shaped and often recurved. Each rises from nodes along a very short stem. From spring to fall, plants develop a lateral drooping flower stalk with blooms that open all at once. Stalks vary in size and flower density. The blossoms produced are creamy white with many rust-orange or dark salmon spots. The lip is white blushed with pink or violet. After the last blossom fades, the stalk remains and young plantlets may develop on the stem tips. From fall to winter, plants quiesce.
Maria's 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 - 9
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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
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Southeastern Asia
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, Fall
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
