This spectacular orchid is a genus (type) of approximately 60 species. The generic name of the Phalaenopsis orchid comes from the Greek word for moth, “Phalaina,” and opsis which means “like.” It resembles a moth in flight and the orchids are sometimes referred to as Moth orchids. Others have said that the name could have been given by Carolus Linneaus to a group of large moths that she called “Phalaen-like.”

These beauties are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants because they are easy to propagate. They will flower under artificial light. Among the first tropical orchids collected in Victorian times, the Palaenopsis orchids are very easy to grow and will flower at home as long as you can provide temperatures between 20° to 35° C (68° to 95° F) and indirect sunlight although they will adapt to conditions that aren’t exactly as they had it in their natural habitat.

Through intensive cross-fertilization, growers have produced a lot of hybrids in all colors and variations that are very adaptable to artificial conditions.

In the trade, the abbreviation is Pha and they are native to South East Asia from the mountains of the Himalayas all the way to the islands of Polillo and to the Palawan of the Philippines. They also are native to northern Australia and Orchid Island off Taiwan is named after this orchid. Most of them are shades plants and are typically found below canopies of lowland forests where it’s moist and has between 60% to 70% humidity. They need to be protected from direct sunlight. Usually in the fall, flowering is triggered by night temperatures that drop approximately five to six degrees over two to four consecutive weeks. If they are healthy plants, they will have ten or more leaves. When kept inside a home, they usually bloom for two or three months which is considered a very long time in the orchid trade.

Phalaenopsis orchids should be potted in fir bark which drains better than sphagnum moss. One of the most numerous mistakes that new growers make is to overwater and cause the roots to rot. Overwatering and poor drainage makes the roots deteriorate, therefore killing the plant. Simply wait until the soil is dry throughout and then water and be aware of the temperature. When it drops below 18° C (64° F), watering should be reduced to avoid root rot. It’s OK for the roots to climb out of the pot. Keep the plant fertilized with orchid fertilizer suggested by the grower, usually at a 1/4 diluted strength during three out of four waterings.

Light is as important to the well-being of this orchid as the planting mix. Keep it near a southern window where it will get indirect light. You have to be sure that the leaves are never exposed to the sun which will cause brown marks and burning. Move the plant to another area immediately if the leaves feel hot to the touch.

At the base of each leaf there are pockets from which flower spikes will appear. The very first sign is a light green “glove-like” object that protrudes from the leaf tissue. Then in about three months, the spike grows longer until it begins to swell up into fat buds which will soon bloom. You can tell what color the flowers will be from the color of the bud which isn’t always the case with other orchids. Some growers prefer to cut the spike above the highest section because it may produce another flower spike. Sometimes it produces a baby orchid plant that you can put in another pot. However, the spike produced in this fashion doesn’t always yield good quality blooms.

Can you imagine a windowsill or a table full of the Phalaenopsis orchids in varying colors? I could which is why I decided to specialize in these particular flowers. The effect is transporting and because they are easy to care for, it was an easy decision. Always be sure to follow the grower’s advice and buy the necessary products to pot and maintain them. It’s worth it to live with these outstanding gems from nature.

Now that you’ve taken the time to read about it, why not also view
the stunningly beauty of the Phalaenopsis orchid?

If you want to read more about Phalaenopsis orchids, go to the following site:

Whether you are an experienced orchid grower or just someone who is starting out, we have the answers to any of your questions regarding caring for orchids, the supplies needed and valuable resources for added support. Make this Orchid Care.org site your most frequently visited website.

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