Introducing...
Moth orchids
Botanical name: Phalaenopsis
With their long, arching stems topped with elegant, exotic blooms, moth orchids are popular and easy-to-grow houseplants. They can flower at any time of year, creating spectacular displays that last for several months.
Looks
These orchids send up slender, arching stems, topped with a succession of large blooms, usually pink, purple or white. The petals may be veined or suffused with contrasting hues. The flowers stand above a low clump of long, leathery, evergreen leaves.
Likes
Moth orchids need consistently warm conditions all year round and bright but not strong light. Water and feed regularly during the growing season, but reduce both in winter. They must be planted in bark-based orchid compost.
Dislikes
These tender tropical orchids can't stand cold, so keep them above 16°C (61°F) at all times. Avoid temperature fluctuations and draughts. Take care not to overwater or underwater, as the roots tend to rot in soggy compost or shrivel and die in dry conditions.
Did you know?
Moth orchids reproduce by sprouting plantlets (known as keiki) from nodes on their stem. These baby plants can simply be detached once they've grown several roots, then potted up in orchid compost, to give you new plants for free.
Growing guide
How to grow Phalaenopsis (moth orchids)
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for moth orchids in your home.
Moth orchids we recommend
Phalaenopsis Yellow Lightning gx
moth orchid Yellow Lightning gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Phalaenopsis amabilis
East Indian butterfly plant
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Phalaenopsis Brother Pico Sweetheart gx
moth orchid Brother Pico Sweetheart gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Phalaenopsis Yellow Lightning gx
moth orchid Yellow Lightning gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Phalaenopsis amabilis
East Indian butterfly plant
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Phalaenopsis Brother Pico Sweetheart gx
moth orchid Brother Pico Sweetheart gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Caring for your houseplants
Houseplants for different locations
Houseplants: holiday care
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