Moth Orchids: The Perfect Gift

“While a bouquet will end up in the trash in 10 days, an orchid will give you months of bloom, and when it’s done, you still have a plant that can rebloom,” Brecht said.

Moth orchids generally cost $20 to $50 per plant, depending on the quality, size, and type.

These eye-catching plants have long sprays of 2- to 6-inch-wide flowers that come in a variety of colors, including:

• White
• Pink
• Red
• Yellow
• Green
• Hybrids with spotting or candy striping

Some hybrids have fringe on the flowers, Glinskas said. The leaves are thick, broad, and tend to be sparse, with the flower spikes shooting up above the leaves.

Phalaenopsis received the common name “moth orchid” because the flowers sitting along the flower spike look like moths in flight.

Tips for Growing Moth Orchids Indoors

1. Choose a Good Home

Moth orchids thrive in bright locations that don’t receive any direct sun. Be especially careful to keep them away from hot midday sun.

• They like air circulation but should be kept away from cold or hot drafts, as sudden temperature changes can cause buds to dry up, brown, and fall off.
• Good places include bright bathrooms, north and east window sills, and curtained windows that provide filtered light.

You can tell if a plant is receiving the right amount of light by its leaf color. Dark green leaves indicate inadequate light, while light yellow leaves signify too much light. The ideal color is yellowish-green leaves.

2. Water Correctly

Phalaenopsis are accustomed to rain and moisture. The surface below the bark should be kept moist. Watering will depend on the weather. In hot and dry conditions, they may need water every 2-3 days, but during rainy, moist conditions, they might need water only every two weeks.

Water only in the morning so the plant has time to dry before night, and never leave a phalaenopsis in standing water.

3. Provide Humid Conditions

Moth orchids thrive in moist environments. To raise humidity, place the plant pot on pebbles or marbles sitting in water, ensuring no water touches the bottom of the container.

4. Fertilize Regularly

Use a quarter- to half-strength solution of water-soluble fertilizer every time you water. Watch for signs of under- or over-fertilizing. Plants without enough food will have small flowers, while those with too much fertilizer will have soft leaves.

5. Prune Spent Blooms

Cut the flower stalk in between the third and fourth node once the blooms stop. This often triggers another flower stalk in 3-4 months.

6. Repot Regularly

Repot every 1-2 years. Use fresh orchid bark and trim squishy or thin roots. Repot in the same-sized pot unless the roots have outgrown it, in which case use a larger container.

7. Watch for Pests

Mealybugs are common. For fast, effective, and non-toxic results, spray them with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

8. Choose Wisely When Purchasing

When buying a moth orchid, look for one with firm, light green leaves. Avoid deformed or damaged plants.