Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis Orchids) Indoor Care, Propagation & Common Problems
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Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis Orchids) thrive in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, rich, well-aerated soil coupled with regular feeding in the growing period.
Phalaenopsis Orchids also called Phals are popular orchids and bear flat-faced, fragrant, long-lasting flowers on a stem that branches near the end.
Several of these flat-faced flowers blooming along an arching stem look like moths in flight and hence the common name, 'moth orchid'.
The flower sepals and petals are all free and widely apart from each other. The petals are are much wider than the sepals. The lip (lowermost petal) is significantly different from the other petals and has three lobes.
Moth Orchids are monopodial which grow from a single point, they add leaves to the apex each year and the stem grows longer accordingly. They have long-coarse roots and short, leafy stems hidden by overlapping leaf bases; they do not have pseudobulbs.
The leaves are dark-green on top with streaks of red or burgundy on the the undersides. They are usually arranged in two rows, relatively large and leathery, oblong and sometimes succulent.
The genus name, Phalaenopsis is derived from the Greek word phalaina meaning "a kind of moth" in reference to the moth-shaped flowers. The genus name, Phalaenopsis is abbreviated as "Phal" in horticultural journals.
Botanical name: Phalaenopsis
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Vandeae
Subtribe: Aeridinae
Common names: Moth Orchid, Phals
Origin
Phalaenopsis is a genus of orchids occurring in the wild from tropical to subtropical Asia with the majority in Indonesia and Philippines where they grow on trees.
Varieties
Many hybrids and cultivars of Phalaenopsis Orchids have been developed. Flowers are available in red, white, pink , yellow and purple and sometimes spotted and often with a contrasting lip and veins.
Is Moth Orchid toxic?
No. Moth Orchids are non-toxic to both humans and pets. They are safe to grow in a home with children, cats, dogs and other pets.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add Moth Orchids to your collection, you may acquire them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Phalaenopsis Orchid Care Indoors
To care for Moth Orchids indoors, give it bright indirect light, warmth of 16-290C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-aerated orchids potting soil coupled with regular feeding in the growing period.
Phalaenopsis Orchid requires regular pruning to keep them neat as well as encourage flowering. Repotting is needed only when pot-bound or the soil becomes completely broken down. Keep on reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.
Light requirements
Moth Orchid grows best in bright indirect light of about 10 hours per day; place it near a bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunshine or instal a sheer curtain to diffuse the sunrays to avoid scorching the leaves.
A Moth Orchid that is receiving the right amount of light has dark-green leaves. Yellowish leaves means that the orchid is receiving too much light.
Therefore, if the natural light is inadequate, instal a full spectrum grow light to complement it.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the Orchid receives adequate light on all sides for uniform growth.
Watering
Water Moth Orchid liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Take caution not overwater as it can result in rotting, drooping and yellowing.
Decrease watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not let the soil dry out completely as underwatering can lead to wilting, drooping and yellowing of leaves.
To take the guesswork out of watering, check the roots. Whitish-green and plump roots indicate that the Orchid is well hydrated. Whitish-silvery, thin roots indicate the Orchid needs to be watered.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant as it can lead to stunted growth. Phals are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water, therefore, only water with chlorine-free like rainwater.
Avoid wetting the foliage as it can lead to fungal diseases. Water the orchid from the bottom instead. Should you wet the foliage, dry it by wiping with a dry soft cloth.
Phalaenopsis Orchids unlike Brassia (Spider) Orchids are less tolerant of dry soil conditions due to the absence of pseudobulbs, therefore, they cannot tolerate long periods of dryness.
Temperature & Humidity
Moth Orchid prospers in a warmth of 16-290C. The warmer days and cooler night temperatures with a difference of 10-150C are ideal. The cool nights are essential to trigger flowering.
Keep the orchid away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, windy doors, stoves among others to prevent sudden changes in temperature as can cause slowed growth, drooping and yellowing
Phalaenopsis Orchids flourishes in a humidity of 60-70%. Too too dry air will result in brown leaf tips and edges. Therefore to raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Do not mist the orchids as misting encourages fungal disease infestations. Ensure that there is good air circulation to discourage fungal diseases infestations.
Fertilizer
Feed Moth Orchid with an orchid's fertilizer in spring and summer as per the manufacturer's instructions. Do not feed in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time. Do not feed an orchid that is in flower as it can shorten the flowering period.
It is better to err on the side of underfeeding than overfeeding as overfeeding can result in loss of the roots thus death of the orchid. If you overfeed, it can also lead to vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.
Potting Medium
The best potting medium for Moth Orchids should be loose, free-draining, bark mix to avoid getting soggy soil which can cause rotting. An orchid's potting mix is ideal for these plants.
Repotting
Repot Moth Orchid only when growth begins to suffer which is when the lower leaves begin to die as it blooms best when it is pot-bound.
Basically repotting a Moth Orchid every 2 years should be adequate. Repot it only when new growth begins, shortly after blooming is over. Do not repot an orchid that is in flower as it may shorten the flowering season.
Use a pot with proper drainage holes or slits as the roots of the orchid need good air circulation. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one to avoid overpotting.
While repotting, remove all the soil from around the stems and roots. Remove any dead and dying leaves from the bottom as they are breeding ground for pests and diseases. Remove dead roots to create space for the growth of new roots.
Thereafter, water the orchid thoroughly and ensure that both the soil and the roots absorb all the water they need. Check out these orchid pots with a free slotted orchid pot liner on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Moth Orchid entails removal of dead and diseased leaves to keep it neat and reduce pests and diseases. Cut them at the base with sharp scissors or a knife.
When flowering is over, cut the flower stalk 1 inch above the 3rd node from the bottom to encourage more flowering.
Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as discourage pests and diseases.
Phalaenopsis Orchids Propagation
Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids) propagation is done at the beginning of the growing season from keikis (baby orchids). These orchids naturally produce "baby" orchids called "keiki" which normally appear on an old or new flower spike or at the base of the orchid.
Keikis are identical copies of the parent plant. Keiki growth can be triggered by prolonged exposure to high temperature during the final phase of spike growth.
How to propagate Moth Orchid from keikis
- Detach the keiki from the mother when about one year old; when it has developed 2-3 leaves and 1-3 inch long roots.
- Pot the keiki in fresh potting medium. Direct the roots of the keiki downwards and provide support for the keiki to prevent it from toppling over.
- Place the set up in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
- Mist the keiki regularly to maintain a humid enviroment.
- Once the keiki is well established, you can begin routine care. The keiki may take 6-12 months to bloom.
Phalaenopsis Orchids Problems & Solutions
Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis Orchids) problems are lack of blooms, black leaf tips, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Lack of blooms
Lack of blooms on Phalaenopsis Orchids is caused by too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, warm nights, dry air or nutrients deficiency.
How to fix it
Too little light: Move the orchid to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient.
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with proper drainage and a loose, coarse potting mix that drains easily.
Warm nights: Keep the orchid away from sources of hot air at night to provide cooler temperatures which are needed to trigger flower production.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity.
Nutrients deficiency: Feed the orchid with an orchids fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers as they promote foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Black, dying leaf tips
Black, dying leaf tips on Moth Orchids are due to the presence of chemicals like chlorine and flourides in the water or accumulation of salts in the soil.
How to fix it
Use only chlorine-free water like rainwater.
Once in a while, flush out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage holes.
Pests
Common pests on Moth Orchids are mealybugs, scale insects, slugs and snails.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected orchid to reduce spread to other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Regularly check underneath the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.
- Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a humidifier to elevate humidity to reduce the pests infestations.
Diseases
Moth Orchid is prone to the following diseases:
1. Powdery mildew which presents as mold on the leaves and flowers. It is promoted by damp conditions coupled with poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Cut off the diseased parts to minimize spread.
- Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to the other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with Neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure a free air flow to depress the disease infestation.
- Do not mist or wet the foliage as the moisture creates good conditions for this disease.
2. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, soft leaf spots. The disease is prevalent in wet conditions coupled with poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Remove the affected leaves immediately to minimize further spread.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as indicated by the manufacturer.
- Avoid wetting the leaves during watering.
- Maintain a good air circulation for the plant to discourage the disease.
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