How to grow Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis amabilis · Phalaenopsis

The most widely sold orchid, an epiphyte with a clump of leathery leaves and tall, arching stems of flat, moth-like flowers in white, pink, purple, yellow or patterned forms. The flowers last for months and can appear at any time of year.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Orchidaceae
Light	Partial shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 16 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Planted as a young plant from a nursery while it is dormant — in early spring before the buds open, or in autumn after leaf fall.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 7 days	16…30 °C	balanced (NPK), 14 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 28 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 42 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 56 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 70 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 84 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 98 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 112 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 126 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 140 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 154 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 168 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 182 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 196 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 10 days	16…30 °C	—

Growing notes

Light

Bright light without direct summer sun, which scorches the leaves; an east- or west-facing window is ideal. Bright light in winter encourages flowering.

Soil

Grown not in soil but in loose, airy, bark-based orchid compost, often in a clear pot so the roots can be seen. Never use multipurpose or loam-based compost.

Care

Water about once a week in the growing season and slightly less in winter, preferably with tepid rainwater; never let the roots dry out completely or stand in water, and keep water out of the crown. Feed a balanced or orchid fertiliser at half strength twice a month, giving plain water every fourth time, and little or none in winter. After flowering, cut the stem just above the second node below the spent flowers. If a healthy plant has not flowered for a while, keep it about 5 °C cooler for a month. Repot into fresh orchid compost every two years. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Pests and diseases of Moth Orchid

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.