If there possibly exists a butterfly with leaves, it’s an orchid. The beautiful and delicate looking moth orchid’s flowers (Phalaenopsis sp.) are one of the greatest joys for indoor gardeners. There’s something so special about orchids, maybe because they look so exotic with their long arching flower stalks. Or maybe because orchids are frequently used in magazine photo shoots on the coffee tables of expensive homes. Whether those orchids are real or silk, it doesn’t matter. Orchids are highly prized for one main reason: their undeniable beauty.
Moth orchids are epiphytic plants, sometimes referred to as “air plants.” In their natural habitat, moth orchids grow while attached to tree trunks or branches. If this sounds familiar, it’s because bromeliads are another popular epiphytic house plant. Epiphytic plants get much of their water and nutrients from the air through exposed roots, instead of roots submerged in soil.
The blooms are long lasting, so even if you’ve never grown orchids before, these plants are worth giving a try. You’ll have several months to enjoy the stunning flowers of the moth orchid, which gives ample time to learn to care for it.
Grow the moth orchid in sphagnum moss or bark, instead of potting soil. The chance of over-watering and causing root-rot is much less with this method. Let the moss or bark dry out, but then soak it thoroughly. Instead of trying to get the bark moist with a watering can, I take the entire orchid pot to a sink and soak it completely, allowing the excess to drain. Bark dries out faster than sphagnum moss, so check it more often.
Orchids like high humidity, so place the pot on a waterproof tray with pebbles. Fill the base of the tray with water and set the orchid’s pot on the pebbles. Don’t let the pot soak up water from the tray, this can cause root-rot and possibly death for the plant. Another option is to use an electric humidifier or table top indoor water fountain to help increase humidity.
Give the moth orchid bright light from the east, west or south. During the hot summer months, move the orchid farther from south and west windows, so the sun doesn’t scorch the leaves. If you keep like your house cooler at night and warmer during the day, you’ll have a happy orchid. The average temperatures during the daytime in our houses are fine for most orchids, but they do prefer a drop to about 60 degrees at night.
Feed the moth orchid with a special fertilizer made especially for bromeliads or orchids. As with any fertilizer, follow the directions on the package for the best results. The orchid usually blooms for at least 3 months, but can bloom for much longer if conditions are ideal. Be sure to cut the flower spikes off when the orchid finally does stop blooming. Continue caring for your moth orchid just the same, don’t change the frequency of watering or the amount of light the orchid receives.
The orchid’s roots often grow outside the pot’s boundaries, whether it’s from the top of the pot or through the drainage holes. But remember the importance of these roots. They’re seeking moisture and nutrients from the air, so don’t cut them off. If they get too long, gently drape the roots in a more convenient place for you, or loosely wind them near the base of the pot. Don’t expect new blooms on the orchid for at least a year, but it can take longer for it to bloom again. That’s fine, too, because we know it’ll be worth the wait.
Source: Texas A&M; University, Aggie Horticulture
I worked in the horticulture industry for 15 years and have extensive knowledge and experience.
