Often sold for just a few dollars at supermarkets, the moth orchid (a.k.a.
Fortunately, for the rest of us, moth orchids also make elegant, easy-to-care-for houseplants.
Just find a warm spot for them in a bright room and follow their lead on extra care.
Marty Baldwin.
(This orchid tolerates low light, too, but blooms better when light is brighter.)
Situate your plant so it’s protected from directafternoon sun that can scorch leaves.
If you grow it in potting mix, the roots are more likely to rot and die.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Like many tropical plants, the moth orchid thrives in humid environments.
Partially fill the tray with water, making sure the orchid is sitting well above the water line.
The water will evaporate gradually, humidifying the air surrounding the plant.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
you’re able to also boost humidity by grouping an orchid with other houseplants.
Dry, brown stems can be trimmed to the soil.
If either of these factors is in play, its time to repot.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Select a pot that is 1 inch larger or the same size as your current pot.
Cut away any dead or shriveled roots with sharp, sterile shears.
Once your orchid is secure in the new container, water it as you normally would.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Pests and Problems
The most common issues plaguing moth orchids are sparked by improper watering.
Give your orchid too much water and bacterial issues like brown rot or black rot are likely to develop.
If it doesnt get enough water, it could become dehydrated and suffer root loss and rot.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Moth orchids can also suffer from fungal conditions like leaf spots, foliar blights, and flower blights.
The most common pests for moth orchids are aphids, mealybugs, and thrips.
Spider mites may also be an issue for moth orchids.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
you might deter them by washing the leaves with a similar castille soap and water mix as mentioned above.
These tiny plant clones develop on the flower stem and are completely separate orchids.
It was the first of a new category of moth orchid known as harlequins.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Jupiter Moth Orchid
ThisPhalaenopsisvariety shows off spikes of white flowers that have a red-pink center.
Phalaenopsis Schilleriana
Phalaenopsis schillerianaoffers fragrant pink flowers.
It also has bold foliage marbled with silvery streaks.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
The dramatic dark green foliage has silvery markings on top and burgundy blotches beneath.
Taisuco Moth Orchid
Phalaenopsis’Taisuco Koohdan' bursts forth with spikes of large pure-white flowers.
Moth Orchid
ThisPhalaenopsisselection produces spikes of dark red-purple flowers that are especially long-lasting.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether or not to stake a Phalaenopsis orchid is a personal choice.
If you want your orchid blooms to stand tall and proud, staking is a smart choice.
To do so, introduce the stake before the flowers begin to develop.
This will encourage the blooms to orient properly as they open.
The key to proper Phalaenopsis watering is to let it almost completely dry out between waterings.
If you are uncertain, insert a finger as far as possible into the growing medium.
If the medium feels at all damp, hold off on watering.
Its also important to not let pools of water sit around the crown of the plant.
Such practices will lead to overwatering and rot.
Several factors cause yellowing stemsand not all of them require the removal of the affected stems.
If this is the case, move your plant to a more protected area and the color should return.
Another cause of yellowing is rot.
If the faded stems feel mushy, rot is likely the cause.
