Ultimate Guide to Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids)

If you want to try growing orchids at home, Phalaenopsis orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) are a great choice. Also commonly known as ‘Moth Orchids’, these plants are easy to care for, and they produce gorgeous blooms. Plus, there are 50+ species and hybrids you can choose from. Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Phalaenopsis Orchid’s meaning and symbolism, their history, and origins, uses and benefits, as well as our comprehensive guide to growing and caring for Phalaenopsis Orchids at home.

Table of Contents:

Phalaenopsis Orchids – The Essentials

Phalaenopsis orchids are a group of orchids that are native to tropical areas in the Asia-Pacific region. People grow these orchids for their beautiful, long-lasting blooms which occur atop a single stem. The flowers symbolize good luck, beauty, and perfection.

About Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis Orchids – Family, Genus, and Taxonomy

Carl Ludwig Blume first named the Phalaenopsis genus of orchids in 1825. All members of this genus have long, rough roots and long-blooming flowers.

Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Phalaenopsis

Botanical Characteristics, Colors, Fragrances

All Phalaenopsis Orchids are epiphytes or lithophytes. This means they grow on other plants or rocks, rather than on the ground or in soil.

The plants have short leaves that grow from a single point. Flowers form atop a long, single flower spike, and the flowers can last for multiple months.

The Phalaenopsis genus contains species that form a variety of flower colors. The majority of flowers are some combination of white, yellow, orange, purple, pink, or red. Many flowers contain stripes or other patterns.

The majority of Phalaenopsis orchids aren’t fragrant, but there are exceptions. Phalaenopsis bellina and Pahleaenopsis violacea both have a sweet rose/citrus scent.

Are Phalaenopsis Orchids Toxic to Humans and Animals?

According to the ASPCA, Phalaenopsis orchids are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. These orchids are also non-toxic to humans.

History & Origins of Phalaenopsis Orchids

While native peoples were aware of these orchids for many years, Europeans first described Phalaenopsis orchids in 1825. Dutch botanist Carl Ludwig Blume wrote about the orchids he discovered during his travels to the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia).

During the next 50 years, botanists introduced these orchids to Europe as houseplants. However, they were difficult to grow as parlor plants due to the lack of heat. Therefore, they were grown in greenhouses or conservatories.

English plant breeder John Seden produced the first hybrid in 1875. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, breeders focused on producing cut-flower orchids.

By the 1960s, potted orchids were back in demand. Today, China, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and the United States produce many Phalaenopsis orchids.

Etymological Meaning

The genus name Phalaenopsis comes from the Ancient Greek word “phalaina” which means a kind of moth and “nopsis” meaning like. When European explorers first discovered these orchids, they thought the flowers looked like moths.

What Regions Are Phalaenopsis Orchids Native To?

These plants are native to tropical Pacific regions including India, China, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea. Different species are native to different areas.

When Do Phalaenopsis Orchids Bloom?

The time a Phalaenopsis orchid will bloom depends on the species as well as environmental factors. These orchids may bloom in the spring, summer, or fall.

Many types of hybrid Phalaenopsis orchids produce long-lasting blooms multiple times a year.

Popular Phalaenopsis Orchid Types, Species, and Cultivars

There are over 60 species of Phalaenopsis orchids and even more hybrids. Here are some of the most popular species.

Phalaenopsis amabilis has large white flowers.
Phalaenopsis aphrodite was the first Phalaenopsis orchid humans cultivated. It has white flowers that may have a purple shade.
Phalaenopsis bellina has yellow or white flowers with pink interiors.
Phalaenopsis equestris has many small purple flowers.
Phalaenopsis fasciata has small yellow flowers with tiny red stripes.

Uses and Benefits of Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids are primarily used as ornamental orchids. In Feng Shui, people see them as a symbol of fertility, good luck, and perfection.

While many orchids are used in traditional and modern medicine, Phalaenopsis orchids are not. However, researchers have found that the roots and leaves have high levels of antioxidants.

Phalaenopsis orchids are non-toxic, but people do not consume them.

While humans don’t eat these orchids, pollinators love them. In the wild, bees, ants, and moths pollinate these flowers.

For more, see our in-depth guide to orchid plant uses and benefits.

Phalaenopsis Orchids Meaning & Symbolism

Common Phalaenopsis Orchid Colors and Their Meaning & Symbolism

White flowers symbolize innocence, peace, and purity.
Yellow Phalaenopsis orchids mean friendship and joy.
Pink blooms symbolize joy and happiness, as well as femininity.
Red flowers are tied to passion, desire, and strength.
Orange Phalaenopsis orchids symbolize boldness and courage.
Purple blooms mean royalty and respect.

The Meaning, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance of Phalaenopsis Orchids

People view Phalaenopsis orchids as a symbol of beauty and prosperity. As such, people commonly keep these plants in their homes or give them to others as gifts.

In China, people view Phalaenopsis orchids as a symbol of good luck and fortune. They’re also tied to fertility.

Today, Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular types of ornamental orchids. Therefore, they’re tied to beauty, elegance, and joy.

How to Grow and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids at Home

Potting Considerations

These orchids aren’t too particular about their pots, but you want to ensure they provide a couple of essential factors.

Orchid potting containers should be large enough to prevent overcrowding. Orchids’ roots don’t like being crowded; instead, they prefer room to spread.

No matter what type of container you choose, you need to make sure it contains adequate drainage holes. Improper drainage can lead to problems with root rot.

The Best Soil and Potting Mix for Phalaenopsis Orchids

In the wild, these plants grow on other plants or rocks rather than the soil itself. Your job is to mimic these conditions.

Fortunately, you can find many orchid potting mixes in stores. These coarse mixes provide good airflow and drainage.

If you can’t find an orchid potting mix, you can use 3/4 bark chips mixed with 1/4 peat moss.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Light Preferences

While these plants are native to tropical forests, they often grow beneath taller trees. Therefore, they like bright yet indirect light. They can tolerate lower light as well.

During the winter, these plants need higher light levels to encourage flowering. As light becomes more intense in the summer, you can move them to a lower-light area. For more, see our guide to the best locations to position orchid plants in the home.

Temperature and Humidity Preferences

During periods of active growth and flowering, keep your orchid in a room that is 70-85ºF.

Once your plant is done flowering, you’ll want to move it to a cooler area. Phalaenopsis orchids require nighttime temperatures between 55-60ºF to induce the formation of a flowering spike.

Keep Phalaenopsis orchids away from both hot and cold drafts.

These plants can do well in moderate to high humidity. If you have high humidity, make sure to provide proper airflow. This will help prevent disease issues.

For more, see our in-depth guide to orchid plant temperature and humidity tolerances.

When and How to Water Phalaenopsis Orchids

Unlike some other orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids don’t have large water-storage organs known as pseudobulbs. This means that they have lower drought tolerance.

Water your orchid about once a week during the summer and once every two weeks in the winter. Once you see the top of the bark turn dry, it’s time to water.

Make sure that water is freely draining from the plant’s pot. If water settles around the plant’s leaves, they may rot and die. You should also avoid splashing water on the plant’s leaves.

Feeding and Fertilizing Phalaenopsis Orchids

The frequency you fertilize depends on your plant’s growth stage.

When your plant is growing but not flowering, fertilize every week with a half-strength, balanced houseplant fertilizer. Once your plant forms flower buds, fertilize every other week.

To encourage your plant to form a new flower spike, you may provide a dose of flowering, houseplant fertilizer.

For more, see our in-depth guide to fertilizing orchid plants.

Pruning and Staking Phalaenopsis Orchids

You don’t need to prune these plants on a regular basis. The only pruning they need is the trimming of the flower stalk.

However, Phalaenopsis orchids benefit from staking. By taking the time to support the single flower stalk, you’ll end up with healthy blooms.

It’s best to stake your plant when it has developed a flower stalk but before it develops flower buds. Use a bamboo flower stake and flower clip to gently clip the flower stalk to the stake.

Common Phalaenopsis Orchid Problems, Pests & Diseases

With a little care, orchids can live for many years to come. Phalaenopsis orchids suffer from many of the same problems that impact other orchids. Keep a lookout for the following.

Mealybugs

These soft-bodied insects resemble cotton. While they may look harmless, they can quickly suck sap from your plant and spread disease.

If you notice only a few mealybugs, you can remove them using a spray bottle or damp cloth. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat larger infestations.

Root Rot

If you notice soft, mushy roots, your plants are likely suffering from root rot. Another sign of root rot is yellowing leaves.

Root rot is often caused by overwatering, an inappropriate container, or an inappropriate potting mix.

If you spot root rot, remove the plant and trim off damaged roots. Make sure your orchid is planted in a coarse potting mix and in a container with drainage holes.

Bud Die Back

If your plant forms buds but doesn’t form flowers, a number of factors could be to blame.

Make sure your plant is receiving an adequate amount of light as well as the proper temperature and humidity.

If your buds die back, it’s best to cut back the flower stalk and start new.

For more, see our in-depth guide to common orchid plant pests, bugs, and diseases.

Wrap-up

Now that you know more about caring for Phalaenopsis orchids, it’s time to find a few to add to your home. After you master caring for this genus of orchids, you can move onto caring for other species.

Petal Republic’s Expert Guides to Orchids:

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Phalaenopsis Orchid FAQs:

Should I Cut Back Flower Spikes as Phalaenopsis Orchids Go Out of Bloom?

Yes! Once your plant is done blooming, trim the flower spike using a sharp pair of shears. Cut the stalk at the second node below the flowers.

How Do I Get My Phalaenopsis Orchid to Rebloom?

After blooms fall off your orchid, you’ll need to practice some patience. Phalaenopsis orchids typically require at least six months of rest before they can bloom again.

To encourage new blooms, fertilize your plant twice a month with a half-strength, balanced houseplant fertilizer. Keep your plant somewhere a bit cooler (around 55-60ºF at night) until a new flower spike appears.

How Many Times Do Phalaenopsis Orchids Bloom?

Phalaenopsis orchids can bloom multiple times throughout their lives, and each of these blooms can last multiple months!

They do require a bit of time between flowerings, so expect flowers once a year. These plants can produce flowers any time of year, which means you can’t expect flowers at a certain time.

How Long Do Phalaenopsis Orchids Last?

The plants themselves can live over five years, and the flowers can last for three or more months!

What Do Phalaenopsis Orchids Symbolize?

These ornamental orchids symbolize beauty, elegance, and joy. Different flower colors can also symbolize fertility, happiness, and royalty.

Briana Yablonski

Contributing Editor | Full Bio | + posts

Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State University. She manages a small market garden where she grows vegetables and herbs. She also enjoys growing flowers and houseplants at home.