Find out how to grow beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid, also called moth orchid, indoors. Learn how to keep the plant blooming for months, and how to get it to re-bloom in the future. Find out what kind of lighting, fertilizer and humidity the plant needs, and about proper pruning for reflowering.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, we are going to talk about growing Phalaenopsis, also called moth orchid. I get a lot of requests for orchid care videos, most recently from a viewer, Megan Spears. Thank you for suggesting this! I’m going to do a whole series on orchids.
This pretty one here, as mentioned, is a moth orchid, so Phalaenopsis is a really gorgeous plant. The name “moth orchid” comes from the way the flowers look like little moths that are going to take off in flight. They have a very graceful habit, as you can tell by the way they grow up the stem.
In their native habitat, they originate in the jungles of the Philippines, where they actually grow suspended from trees. They use their roots for moisture and nutrients from the air. This is why when you get an orchid, it’s in bark; the bark is just there to hold the orchid upright. The roots are growing through the bark, but they aren’t like traditional houseplants that grow in soil.
Orchids are epiphytic, meaning their roots take moisture and nutrients from the air. That’s why we grow them in bark, and you may also see them growing in things like lava rock or pumice. I tend to lean towards using orchid bark because it looks nice when you look down and see the bark. You can also put a little moss on top for a nice finished look.
The plants are usually held up with a metal rod, and a lot of times, it’s a curved rod because they naturally grow curved. If you’re buying a moth orchid, look for one that has a few blooms that haven’t popped yet, as well as some that are very small. This means the flowers will last for months, continuing to open and grow.
Be mindful of where you place your moth orchid. They should be kept away from drafts, especially cold drafts. Remember, they come from the jungles, so they are not used to wintry North American weather. Most homes range from 65 to 85 degrees. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 62, but if the temperature drops below 62 for very long, they will drop their blooms.
So keep them in a warm location and away from heating vents, as orchids aren’t used to warm air blowing at them. If you keep them in the right location, they will continue to bloom beautifully for you for months. Once they lose their blooms, you can prune them to a certain height, as I show in another video, and then feed them. Put them in a southern window; it’s usually the best place to encourage them to re-bud.
Moth orchids tend to bloom from spring through fall, but in the right indoor garden conditions, they can flower year-round. They may take breaks in between blooming, sometimes as long as two to four months. Keep in mind that patience is key; that’s why it’s nice to have a few orchids growing at once to have different stages of blooms.
The flowers will last for two to three months at a time in your house. Location is really important—not just the temperature, but also the light conditions. Moth orchids thrive in bright indoor conditions that don’t receive direct sunlight. Be especially careful to keep them away from hot midday sun, especially in the summer months.
Good locations for growing orchids include bright bathrooms, eastern window sills, or southern windows under full-spectrum lighting. You can tell if a Phalaenopsis is receiving the right amount of light by observing its leaf color. Very dark green leaves mean it’s getting too little light, while very light yellow leaves signify it’s getting too much. The perfect amount of light is indicated by yellowish-green leaves.
When it comes to fertilizing orchids, feed them once a month with an orchid fertilizer. Be cautious; under-fertilizing will lead to poor flowering, while too much can burn the roots. I prefer organic fertilizers, as they are less likely to burn the roots compared to chemical fertilizers. Follow package directions, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution by using less fertilizer rather than more.
Pruning spent orchid blooms is essential. Once a flower stalk stops blooming, you can encourage another flower stalk in about three months by cutting between the third and fourth node from the base of the plant. When the new stalk finishes blooming, cut the flower stalk off at the base. This process can be repeated, allowing your plant to bloom for you indefinitely.
If your orchid fails to bloom, try giving it nighttime temperatures of 55 degrees and daytime temperatures of at least 75 degrees. You should see a flower spike in about a month if you do this. However, I recommend being cautious and only trying this for a few nights, as orchids are sensitive to cold.
Humidity is also crucial for orchids. Aim for a humidity level of 40 to 65 percent. A hygrometer can help you monitor humidity and temperature. Right now, my humidity level is at 54 percent, which is good. Having multiple plants will also help humidify the air.
Moth orchids have spongy roots that cling to trees in their native habitat, allowing them to absorb water from the air. Let the roots make their way out of the container, or you could put up a trellis system for them to climb. Remember, you’re trying to simulate jungle conditions, which is especially important for orchids.
Repotting orchids regularly is important; give moth orchids new bark every one to two years. I wouldn’t wait longer than two years, as the bark will start to break down and become more like soil. If the bark starts to break apart easily or turn soft, it’s time to repot. Always repot when the plant is not in bloom; if it is blooming, let it be and then repot after blooming.
Keep an eye out for orchid pests like mealybugs. Unless there is a significant infestation, they usually won’t cause much damage. If they do show up, spray them with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and rinse the pests off with a strong spray of water after it sets for about half an hour to an hour.
That’s how you keep this beautiful moth orchid healthy and happy in your indoor garden. As mentioned, I will be diving deeper into various topics of growing moth orchids and other types of orchids at a later date.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and please check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
Frequently Asked Questions about Phalaenopsis Orchids
What is a Phalaenopsis orchid?
The Phalaenopsis orchid, also known as the moth orchid, is a beautiful plant that resembles little moths in flight.
Where do Phalaenopsis orchids originate?
They originate from the jungles of the Philippines and typically grow suspended from trees, using their roots for moisture and nutrients from the air.
Why are Phalaenopsis orchids grown in bark?
Orchids are epiphytic plants, meaning they do not grow in soil. Bark is used to hold them upright while allowing their roots to access moisture and nutrients from the air.
How should I care for my Phalaenopsis orchid’s temperature needs?
Keep them in a warm location, ideally between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid cold drafts and keep them away from heating vents.
When do Phalaenopsis orchids bloom?
They typically bloom from spring through fall but can flower year-round under optimal indoor garden conditions.
How can I tell if my orchid is getting the right amount of light?
If the leaves are very dark green, it means it’s getting too little light. Yellow leaves indicate too much light. Yellowish-green leaves are a sign of optimal light conditions.
How often should I fertilize my Phalaenopsis orchid?
Feed them once a month with orchid fertilizer, preferably organic. Be cautious of over-fertilizing, which can burn the roots.
What should I do with spent orchid blooms?
Prune spent blooms by cutting between the third and fourth node from the base. This can encourage new growth and blooming.
How do I increase humidity for my orchids?
Aim for humidity levels of 40 to 65 percent. A hygrometer can help monitor humidity and temperature.
How often should I repot my Phalaenopsis orchid?
Repot every one to two years, ideally when the plant is not in bloom. If the bark starts to break down, it’s time to repot.
What should I do if my orchid has pests?
For pests like mealybugs, spray them with 70% isopropyl alcohol and rinse off with water after letting it sit for about half an hour.
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