Moth Orchid  or  Phalaenopsis

Are another easily grown orchid variety that is suitable for the beginner or home grower. These plants produce spikes of blossoms that may contain up to 15 or more flowers per spike. These will open in succession and may last as long as 6 weeks or longer. The flowers of a healthy specimen may measure four up to inches across and there is a wide variety of colors available.

Moth orchids may be encouraged to re-bloom if you remove the flower spike below the first flower head after the last bloom starts to fade. This second flowering is a strain on the plant and should be done only if your plant is healthy and well taken care of.


















Light requirements: They prefer bright light but no harsh sun, which will cause sunburn. They should do well in an east or west-facing window. During the summer you may need to move them into a less sunny spot.

Watering should be done when the potting mix feels dry. Water from the top with neutral temperature water and allow the water to drain away. Depending on your home and the natural humidity levels watering needs to be adjusted to the plants needs not on a regimented schedule. Again with many of these plants it will benefit from additional humidity and a dish or tray with pebbles or sand that has water in it does very nicely. 
Care should be taken not to get water into the cup like areas of the growing tip. This can result in rot of the growing tip, and damage to the plant.

Moth orchids need for fertilization is much the same as the Cymbidiums. Fertilize about once a month with a liquid fertilizer at about half strength through out the growing season.
Allow the plants to rest during the winter by watering less and no fertilizer.

Orchids need to be repotted whenever they out grow their pots or whenever the potting medium starts to break down. Use an orchid mix that is bark-based. 

Phalaenopisi or Moth Orchids are easily grown plants that don’t need a lot of fuss. The plant itself is interesting but not showy, it is those large exotic blooms, which make orchids worth the effort and time. That month to month and a half of gorgeous flowers is what most orchids are about.

Moth Orchids are a fairly easy to obtain and many florists and home building centers will have blooming plants off and on through the year, these will be presented when they are in blossom.

Again there are a large number of breeders throughout the country that sell these plants on a continuous basis.

Moth Orchid another fine choice for an easily grown house plant