Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis
Plant Common Name
Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis
General Description
This genus of beautiful orchids encompasses approximately 60 tropical species and thousands of cultivated hybrids called “grexes.” In general, Phalaenopsis inhabits a wide range of habitats and elevations in tropical locations across the Eastern Hemisphere — particularly eastern Asia.
Most are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants (usually trees) rather than being anchored in the soil. Unlike other epiphytic orchids, they lack fleshy, bulbous bases called “pseudobulbs” and instead have upright rhizomes and aerial roots, which support only a couple of leathery oval or elliptical evergreen leaves at a time.
The flowers of these favorite orchids are thought to resemble moths with their wings outstretched, thus the common name "moth orchid." Many bloom freely, producing flowers that are generally placed under two broad classifications—those with long, branched stems and delicate, rounded, moth-like flowers in rosy colors, and those with short stems and waxier, sharper blooms in a wider array of different colors. Flowering times can cover a duration of only a week to several months.
Overall, cultivated Phalaenopsis species and grexes are less challenging to grow and encourage to flower than other orchids. This-—in addition to their beauty-—has led to their broad popularity as houseplants, cutflowers and gift plants.
Moth orchids grow best if given bright, indirect light and good air circulation. Leaves should not be dark green but rather medium green, which indicates light levels are bright enough for healthy growth and seasonal flowering. Most should be cultivated in a bark-based medium or fixed to a hanging bark slab. During the growing season plants require regular orchid food humidity, so regularly mist and water with purified water from spring to fall. Make sure the plant roots never completely dry out. They should be kept moist (but never soggy) and have excellent drainage. In winter, reduce watering, fertilizing, and place in a cool location. It’s important to keep moisture from beading on the leaves as this can encourage disease and leaf spotting. If given these conditions, flowers should appear sporadically from fall to spring, depending on the species or grex.
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Native To
Eastern Asia, Southeastern Asia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Australia
Growing Conditions
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Evergreen
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical
