Orchid care for beginners is much easier than most people think, especially when growing Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids. If you are learning how to care for orchids indoors, these long-blooming houseplants are one of the best varieties to start with because they are low-maintenance and reliable rebloomers.
With the right balance of watering, light, humidity, and pruning, Phalaenopsis orchids can stay healthy and flower for months at a time. This guide covers the essential orchid care tips you need to grow strong, beautiful plants at home.
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Orchid care for beginners – Phalaenopsis orchid overview
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.
- Bright, indirect light from an east or west-facing window will encourage abundant blooms.
- They will adapt well to low-light conditions.
- Rotate the orchid every few weeks to ensure 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.
- 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 requirements
- 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 needs for moth orchids
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.
- Water the orchid in the sink, and allow the water to 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.
- Mist these beginner orchids with a plant mister when you water to raise the humidity level, mimicking their natural environment.
- Wrinkled, limp, or yellowing leaves can indicate too much or too little water, an insect infestation, or poor growing conditions.
Protip: 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.
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, it may rebloom.
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.
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 to shift the energy of the plant from the flowers to the roots and foliage.
- Repot orchids every 1-2 years with new orchid potting mix.
- Trim away any dead or mushy roots when repotting.
- Orchids have aerial 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.
- Pests you might encounter are mealybugs, scale, spider mites, fungus gnats, or aphids.
- These 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.
- Good air circulation and not leaving the crown or roots sitting in water helps to prevent this.
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 buy 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 orchid care for beginners? 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 orchid care for beginners first appeared on the blog in February 2014. I have updated the post to add more information and helpful tips, a Phalaenopsis orchid care tips printable, and a video for you to enjoy.
Orchid Care for Beginners - How to Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids
Commonly known as moth orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular orchids for beginners to grow at home. They are the perfect orchid for those new to growing this pretty plant. 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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