Moth Orchid Plant Care - How to Grow Phalaenopsis spp. - Soltech
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Moth Orchid

Moth Orchid

SCENTIFIC NAME: Phalaenopsis spp.

KNOWN AS: Moth Orchid, Phals

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeast Asia | Tropical & Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: These plants are often misunderstood, but once you get to know them, they're easy to take care of. The foliage is pretty and the roots are interesting, but the best part is the flowers. They look like moths in mid-flight.

Moth Orchid Care

Watering
Orchids need water when their roots turn white. If the roots are green, then the plant doesn't need water yet. If the roots are brown, then the plant has root rot. If the roots are yellow, then the plant is thirsty. You can tell if an Orchid needs water by looking at its roots in a clear pot.
Lighting
Moth Orchids prefer bright, indirect light. This type of light is not as harsh as direct light and it won't burn the leaves of your plants. If you can't provide your plants with enough bright indirect light, they will survive in lower light conditions, but you will need to adjust how often you water them and expect reduced growth.
Humidity
Can adapt to the average humidity in a room, but will thrive in higher humidity levels, especially during the summer or in hot, dry conditions.
Temperature
These Orchids enjoy the warm temperature of the tropics, preferably between 75-85°F, but can adapt to average indoor temperatures. Definitely avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, which are likely to lead to sudden flower loss and brown spots on leaves.
Toxicity
This plant is safe for your whole family, including pets and children. Even if someone takes a bite out of it, they won't get poisoned!
Propagation
You can divide a flower pot with multiple flower stalks into multiple plants. You will pull apart the roots into your desired clumps. If a bit rootbound, you may need to cut them apart. You can then pot each one up into their own appropriately sized vessel. If you would like to propagate without dividing the plant, you can take 'Keiki' cuttings. Offsets can naturally develop along the plant's flower stalks on non-flowering nodes. In this case, you don't actually need to do much, as the 'Keiki' will begin develop its own roots.

Recommended Plant Light

Aspect™ LED Growlight
Large 40w / White Large 40w / Black
Aspect™ LED Growlight from $150.00
-12%
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Vita™ Grow Light
White / Wide (60°) / No Black / Wide (60°) / No
Vita™ Grow Light $75.00

Hanging Heights

Moth Orchid Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Aspect Grow Light Hanging Heights

Aspect Hanging Heights - Moth Orchid

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Soltech's Recommendation -

Large Aspect : 24" to 36"

Small Aspect : 12" to 24"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Grow Light Hanging Heights

Vita Hanging Heights - Moth Orchid

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Grow Light Hanging Heights

Highland Hanging Heights - Moth Orchid

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Similar Lighting Requirements