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Phalaenopsis

moth orchid

An epiphytic, evergreen, tropical orchid and a popular houseplant. Broadly oval or elliptic, six to ten fleshy leaves are alternately arranged around a short. central stem, wholly covered with overlapping leaf bases. Upright, arching or semi-pendant stems emerge beneath older leaves and carry long-lasting flowers. Size and number vary, depending on the cultivar. Image shows a selection of Phalaenopsis; P. lueddemanniana, P. Sogo Rose and P. Taida 'King's Caroline'

Other common names
moth plant
Synonyms
× Doritaenopsis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Purple White Yellow Green
Summer Pink Purple White Yellow Green
Autumn Pink Purple White Yellow Green
Winter Pink Purple White Yellow Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Phalaenopsis are a large genus of species and hybrid mainly epiphytic orchids. Short, upward growing, stem-like rhizomes with no pseudobulbs produce oval, fleshy mid to dark green leaves and flowers in branched racemes from the base of the leaves

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open bark-based orchid compost. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct mid-day sunlight or heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 17°C at night and 20 - 25 °C during day. Mist aerial roots regularly and water the plant when almost dry - pale, silvery roots are a good indication when to water. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the season. See Phalaenopsis cultivation

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately into orchid propagation mix when the new roots are at least 2cm long

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back flowered stem to lower node to encourage further flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free; avoid watering centre of the leaf crown, to prevent bacterial rots

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.