Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis pallens
Plant Common Name
Pale-colored Moth Orchid, Pale-colored Phalaenopsis
General Description
From autumn to spring, pale-colored moth orchid produces small, waxy, light yellow blossoms with thin flecks of rusty orange. It is naturally compact and native to the hot, humid forests of the Philippine where it grows as an epiphyte on tree branches.
The leaves of this small orchid are broad, tongue-like and often recurved. Each rises from nodes along a very short stem. From spring to fall, it produces a short flower stalk that bears one to four flowers which open simultaneously. Each long-lasting blossom is pale yellow dusted with linear flecks of rust-orange or dark bronze. The small lip is white and frilled with a bright yellow accent to help guide bee pollinators. After the last blossom fades, the stalk remains, and as long as it is green should not be cut off as it will bear flowers again the following winter.
Pale-colored 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 - 10
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade
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Height
3"-5" / 7.6cm - 12.7cm
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Width
7"-10" / 17.8cm - 25.4cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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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, 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
