Article: Phalaenopsis Orchid Care: Looking After a Moth Orchid

White phalaenopsis orchid plants in a ceramic pot

Phalaenopsis Orchid Care: Looking After a Moth Orchid

A straightforward guide to light, watering, feeding and after-flowering care for a potted phalaenopsis orchid.

An orchid for the home

Phalaenopsis are often called moth orchids because of their flower shape. These instructions are for a living potted orchid, rather than a cut orchid stem in an arrangement.

Light and temperature

Choose bright, indirect light and protect the leaves from strong direct sun. Keep the plant comfortably warm and away from heaters, cold draughts and sudden temperature changes. A hot windowsill can become unsuitable even if the room itself feels comfortable.

Check before watering

Check the growing medium and the roots rather than watering automatically. The pot, growing medium, room temperature and airflow all affect how quickly it dries. Water when the medium is approaching dry, then allow it to drain thoroughly. Never leave the plant sitting in water inside a decorative outer pot.

Keep the crown dry

Avoid allowing water to collect where the leaves meet at the centre of the plant. If you remove the growing pot for watering, let it finish draining before returning it to its cover pot.

Feed lightly

Use a fertiliser labelled for orchids and follow its instructions. Feeding should respond to active growth and the product used; more concentrated feed is not better. If the plant is not thriving, check its light, drainage and roots before adding extra fertiliser.

Repotting and after flowering

An open, suitable orchid medium allows air around the roots. Repot when the medium has broken down or the plant needs it, taking care not to bury the leaf base. When flowering finishes, a healthy green spike can sometimes be cut back above a suitable node; a dry brown spike can be removed. Flowering again depends on the plant and its growing conditions.