Growing Moth Orchid Plants & Care

Moth orchid is the common name for the phalaenopsis orchid that’s quickly become one of the most popular species from the orchidaceae family of flowering plants.

Glorious colored blooms all year round and the “ease of growing” is what makes these a popular house plant choice.

Description

If your looking for a flowering plant that produces flowers to match a rooms interior color and ambiance – the moth orchid has just about every option for all interior styles. There is over 50 species and hundreds of hybrids available today, which includes mini phals.

Foliage: The stalks stand tall, producing a number of flowers along the stalk and the large green oval shaped leaves sit close to the bottom of the stems and top roots. An interesting foliage feature is the curled medusa hair looking roots that sit near to the top of the medium. These roots are on the look out for moisture and nutrients to care for itself as they would in their natural habitat, being an epiphyte plant.

Flowering: The phalaenopsis blooms striking colors all year round, which last for up to 3 months or more. When a stem is done with blooming flowers it can bloom again the following year, but prune if it starts turning brown or prune as soon as the flowers begin to fade. These flowers have one upper and two lower sepals, two side petals and then the attractive lip, column, and stigmatic surface, which sits in the lower center.

There are two ways to cut a stalk after flowering that growers follow. One way is to cut the plant an inch or two above a node “below the flowers” and another is to cut the stalk off an inch above the soil. Neither way is wrong and has it’s purpose. Cutting near the node allows new blooms to grow on that stem quickly and another branch may grow. Cutting at the base gives the plant the opportunity to use it’s energy to produce finer blooms next time round.

Ease of growing: These orchids are plants that enjoy be provided with above average humidity levels, warm temperatures and bright light for long periods, which makes them moderately easy for people to grow, but difficult for others.

Once a stalk begins growing over 12 inches tall or so, you will find it might need to be supported (with a stake) to grow upright. Some can grow arched over too much and look unattractive. Most from the garden store come already staked.

Facts

Moth Orchid Care

Potential Problems

Similar to most plants; there are so many causes that create growing problems which have to be checked against care instructions, then eliminate what has been provided well, then diagnose. The worst thing that can happen to an orchid is over-watering (rots the roots then kills it) or allow pests or diseases to take over the plant.

• Not flowering: The common cause here is usually lack of light if the foliage is looking fine. Sometimes an orchid needs some rest to flower during the night, so check to see if your keeping to the night and daytime averages as mentioned above (could be too warm during the night).
• Drooping or limp leaves: If the plant is beginning to droop this could be due to lack of light or not enough water. If lighting is fine, then it’s possibly lacking water. The other cause if the leaves have become limp could be too much water left in the soil which will eventually rot the roots.
• Yellowing leaves: Sometimes this can be caused by the natural cycle of a plant shedding old leaves for new growth. Other causes can be insects – such as spider mite, over-watering or under-watering. If it’s been over-watered it will need to be re-potted (well draining pot) and the roots checked for rot.
• Gray or whitish colored upper roots: If they’re gray the cause is usually lack of watering, and white is lack of water or light.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.