Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis violacea
Plant Common Name
Violet Moth Orchid, Violet Phalaenopsis
General Description
Deliciously fragrant, the violet moth orchid bears springtime flowers that are small and purple-violet. This natural epiphyte grows on the branches of trees in rain forests from the Malay Peninsula to Indonesia's island of Sumatra. This species is used extensively in hybridizing to add fragrance to moth orchid grexes.
Plants produce tongue-like leaves of rich medium green. Each is oval, leathery and arises from a very short basal stem. A new leaf is added from spring to fall when growing temperatures are warmest. As days lengthen at the end of the winter dry season, plants produce a stout flower stalk which arches just above the foliage. The violet flowers open in succession over the course of a few weeks and two to three may be open at a time. Each five-petaled, violet bloom is almost triangular in shape. Plants native to Borneo have flowers that are white with violet-magenta only at the center of the blossom.
Grow violet moth orchid in bright filtered light mounted upon a tree trunk or branch, slab of cork or nestled in a slatted wooden basket. This species does not grow in soil, so containers require a bark mix that allows water to drain quickly. This species does poorly in dry conditions—especially when actively growing from spring to fall. During this time water frequently until the bark is just damp to the touch. In the winter reduce watering but never allow plants to get dry. Always ensure there is high humidity and ample air circulation year round. Occasional dilute fertilizer should also be applied from spring to fall. Protect this species from frost.
Allow moth orchid to become quite rootbound in its pot before considering disturbing it. Do not repot it while it is in bloom. The spent flower stalks should be trimmed back so that one to three nodes remain, from which a reblooming shoot may sprout. Failure for moth orchids to prosper in an indoor environment is most likely due to over watering, insufficient light of low humidity. Very bright indirect light is best; dark green leaves usually mean light levels are too low. These are ideal cutflowers for arrangements.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 3
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, 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
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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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
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Violet
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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
Yes
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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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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
