How to Care for the Orchid Flower Phalaenopsis

Moth orchids make low maintenance houseplants.

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are among the lowest-maintenance orchid plants. They thrive indoors at room temperature and do not require frequent watering. Moth orchids produce white, pink or purple flowers that stay open for up to three months. Once the flowers drop, you can encourage the plant to bloom again in the same year. Phalaenopsis requires repotting every other year.

Things You'll Need

• Pot tray
• Pebbles
• Water
• Nitrogen fertilizer
• Plant pot
• Wood bark of medium grade

Instructions

1. Place the moth orchid in a warm spot that averages a daytime temperature of 75 to 85 degrees F. Do not place in direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight is better for the plant and will prevent leaf burn.

2. Fill a plant pot tray with pebbles and add water until the water level is just below the edge of the tray. Place the moth orchid pot on top of the tray of water to increase the humidity around the plant. The pebbles keep the roots from becoming waterlogged.

3. Water the Phalaenopsis orchid once a week, or just enough to keep the planting medium moist to the touch just below the surface.

4. Mix one teaspoon of high nitrogen fertilizer into a gallon of water. Apply to the potting medium once a month.

5. Repot the orchid every other year. Fill a plant pot that is the same size as the old pot halfway with medium-grade wood bark. Moth orchids do not require a larger pot, just new growing medium. Remove the orchid carefully from the old pot and lower it into the new wood bark.

6. Fill the pot the rest of the way with wood bark until the bottom of the lowest orchid leaf touches the medium. Water every 10 days instead of once a week for one month, then resume your regular watering and fertilizing schedule.

References

• Beautiful Orchids: Phalaenopsis