Phalaenopsis orchid care may seem intimidating at first, but this indoor plant is surprisingly easy to maintain once you understand its needs.
With the right balance of light, water, fertilizing, and pruning, your orchid can thrive and rebloom for years to come.
Commonly known as moth orchids, Phalaenopsis are one of the most popular types of orchids for beginners to grow at home. They have beautiful, long lasting, blooms.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Phalaenopsis orchids healthy and flowering.
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Phalaneopsis orchid care
With the right care, these orchids can grow and flower in your home for 10-20 years! Below is an overview of Phalaenopsis moth orchid care.
| Common names | Moth orchid, moon orchid, Phalaenopsis |
| Botanical name | Phalaenopsis spp. |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Plant type | Tender perennial |
| Sunlight needs | Partial sun |
| Soil requirements | Well-draining soil |
| Soil pH | Acidic |
| Bloom time | Usually late winter through spring |
| Flower color | White, pink, purple, yellow, and orange |
| Hardiness zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
| Native area | Australia and Asia |
Sunlight needs for moth orchids
These orchids do not require high light levels, and too much sunlight can scorch the leaves. They will adapt well to low light conditions.
Bright, indirect light from an east or west facing window will encourage lots of blooms.
Rotating the orchid every few weeks ensures that it grows evenly and does not reach for the light. Orchids with thin, soft leaves tend to prefer lower light, while those with thick, leathery leaves can tolerate more light.
Soil for Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis orchids don’t grow in regular potting soil. This type of soil doesn’t have enough aeration, and retains too much moisture which can lead to root rot.
Instead, grow this plant in an orchid potting mix that allows for better aeration. An orchid potting mix typically contains chunks of pine bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, charcoal, and coconut husk chips.
In their natural habitat, orchids don’t need soil. They are epiphytes and grow attached to trees with their roots exposed to the air.
Temperature and watering needs for moth orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids are tropical plants. They grow best with a daytime temperature range of 75ºF -85ºF (24ºC – 29ºC). At night, if the temperature dips below 70ºF (21ºC) they might drop their buds.
Watering orchids is different than watering normal houseplants because of their epiphytic nature. Their roots require both moisture and circulation around them. Too much water can lead to root rot, and too little dries out the orchids.
Water the orchid when the potting mix is almost dry. This is normally about once or twice a week, depending on how hot it is.
One way to tell if the plant needs water is to look at the roots. They will turn a silvery-gray color when they’re dry and will be bright green when they’re wet. The leaves of the plant will be plump and firm, not wrinkled.
Water the orchid in the sink and allow the water to thoroughly drain out through the drainage holes in the pot. If you leave the orchid sitting in a saucer of water, the roots are more likely to rot.
Misting an orchid with a plant mister when you water it helps to raise the humidity level, mimicking its natural environment.
Fertilizing needs for Phalaenopsis
During the active growing season (spring through fall), fertilize your orchid with diluted orchid fertilizer (¼ to ½ strength) every 2-4 weeks.
Fertilize less often in the winter, when the growth slows. Stop fertilizing when the plant is blooming. Too much fertilizer at this time will lead to foliage growth and fewer blooms.
The flowers of moth orchids
The flowers of Phalaenopsis orchids are one of their most appealing features. They have the common name “moth orchids” because their flowers look like moths in flight.
The blooms grow on long, arching flower stems and come in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, yellow, and orange. Some have speckled or striped patterns.
The plants only bloom once or twice a year, but the flowers often last for several weeks to several months. Normal bloom time is late winter or spring, but if grown in the right conditions, may flower again.
The foliage of Phalaenopsis orchids
The leaves of Phalaenopsis orchids are thick, fleshy, and leathery. They are designed to store moisture.
Orchid leaves grow in a rosette pattern at the base of the plant. They are usually dark green, but can be lighter if they get more sunlight exposure.
Wrinkled, limp, or yellowing leaves can indicate too much or too little water, an insect infestation, or poor growing conditions.
Pruning Phalaenopsis after flowering
Pruning your orchid will keep it healthy and encourage future blooms. Deadheading is not necessary, since the flowers will fall off on their own.
When the orchid has finished flowering, use clean scissors to cut off the spent flower stem. Make the cut one inch above the first healthy node, below where the stem has dried out.
This will shift the energy of the plant from the flowers to the roots and foliage.
It is a good idea to repot orchids every 1-2 years with new orchid potting mix. Trim away any dead or mushy roots when repotting.
Orchids have arial roots, which grow above the soil. Don’t worry about trimming these if they look healthy.
Common pests and diseases that affect Phalaenopsis orchids
Orchids are generally not prone to pests or diseases.
However, in rare cases, pests you might encounter are mealybugs, scale, spider mites, fungus gnats, or aphids. These invasive pests can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Diseases that sometimes affect Phalaenopsis orchids are root rot, crown rot, or black spots on the leaves. These can usually be prevented with good air circulation and not leaving the crown or roots sitting in water.
Printable showing how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids
If you want a reminder of how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids, you can print out this care sheet here as a high-resolution image. You can also get it from the project card at the bottom of the post in a slightly smaller size.
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If you enjoyed learning how to take care of moth orchids, why not share this article with a gardening friend? Here is a post to get you started:
🌸 Learn how to care for beautiful Phalaenopsis orchids! 🌿 Get tips on light, watering, fertilizing, pruning & more to grow your moth orchid. #OrchidCare #Phalaenopsis #Houseplants #IndoorPlants #PlantCare #MothOrchids Share on X
Where to purchase Phalaenopsis orchids
Look for live orchid plants in the plant departments of Lowe’s, Home Depot and other large garden centers. They are also available from these online retailers:
Pin these tips for the care of Phalaenopsis orchids
Would you like a reminder of these tips for growing a moth orchid plant? Just pin this image to one of your gardening boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
You can also watch this YouTube slideshow video showing how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids!
Admin note: These tips for how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids first appeared on the blog in February 2014. I have updated the post to add new photos, a Phalaenopsis orchid care tips printable, and a video for you to enjoy.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Care - How to Take Care of Moth Orchids
Commonly known as moth orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular orchids for beginners to grow at home.
Print out these Phalaenopsis care tips and save them in your gardening journal.
Materials
- 1 Phalaenopsis orchid
- Orchid potting mix
- Orchid fertilizer
- Plant mister
- Neem oil
Tools
- Watering can
- Sharp scissors
Instructions
- Place your moth orchid in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. An east or west facing window is best.
- Be sure the plant has good air circulation around it.
- Phalaenopsis orchids don't grow in regular potting soil. Grow them in a potting mix made specifically for orchids.
- The ideal temperature daytime temperature range for these orchids is 75ºF - 85ºF (24ºC - 29ºC). At night, if the temperature dips below 70ºF (21ºC) they might drop their buds.
- Orchids need water when their potting mix is dry, roughly once a week or once every other week.
- You can check the roots to tell if the plant needs water. They will be silvery-gray when dry and bright green when wet.
- When you water the orchid, water it thoroughly. Allow the water to drain out of the drainage holes of the pot. Don't let the orchid sit in water since this can lead to root rot.
- When you water your orchid, mist it with a plant mister to keep its humidity level high.
- Fertilize your orchid every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall) with a diluted (¼ to ½ strength) orchid fertilizer.
- Fertilize less in the winter when growth slows down. Stop fertilizing while the plant is flowering.
- Check for mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites. If found, treat them with neem oil.
- Phalaenopsis orchids bloom once or twice a year. The flowers can last for several weeks to several months.
- After flowering, cut off the spent flower stem above a healthy node with clean, sharp scissors.
- Aerial roots are normal in moth orchids. They don't need to be removed.
- Repot your orchid every 1-2 years with fresh orchid potting mix.
Notes
Print the image below from this card, or use this link to print a high-resolution image from the print feature of your browser window.
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