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'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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.