Phalaenopsis · the moth orchid
The moth orchid is the easiest orchid to keep, and one of the longest-lasting gifts we send. Its flowers often stay open two to three months, and with a little patience it will bloom again every year.
In nature it grows clinging to tree branches, not in soil. Its thick roots are built to soak up water quickly and then dry out in the air. Almost every orchid problem comes from forgetting that and keeping the roots wet.
Water the roots, then let them breathe
Water about once a week, when the roots look silvery and the bark or moss feels dry. Green roots mean it still has water. If yours came in a decorative pot, lift the plastic grower pot out, water it at the sink, and let it drain fully before you put it back.
If you prefer, three ice cubes once a week on top of the bark (not touching the leaves) is a simple way to give it a small, slow drink. Either way, never let water sit in the bottom of the decorative pot.
Finding the right spot
Think of the light under a tree: bright, but never direct midday sun.
- The best spot is near an east-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west one.
- Healthy leaves are a medium, olive green. Dark green means it wants more light. Yellowish or reddish leaves mean too much sun.
- Keep it away from heat vents, drafty doors and ripening fruit, which can make blooms drop early.
- Normal home temperatures are perfect: 65–80°F in the day, a little cooler at night.
Everyday care
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
- Light
- Bright, indirect light. Direct sun through a window can burn the leaves within an afternoon.
- Water
- About once a week, in the morning, when the roots look silver. Keep water out of the center where the leaves meet.
- Humidity & temperature
- Likes 40 to 70 percent humidity. Keep it above 60°F at night and away from cold glass in winter.
- Feeding
- An orchid fertilizer at quarter strength every other watering while it is growing new leaves or roots.
- Potting mix
- Orchid bark or sphagnum moss only. Regular potting soil smothers the roots.
- Aerial roots
- Roots climbing out of the pot are normal and healthy. Leave them be.
Phalaenopsis orchids are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but chewing on any plant can still upset a stomach. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
When the blooms fall
Flowers dropping after two or three months is the natural end of the bloom, not a sign the plant is dying. You have two choices for the flower spike:
- If the spike is still green, cut it just above the second node (the little bump) below where the lowest flower was. It may grow a short new branch of flowers in a couple of months.
- If the spike has turned brown, or you want a stronger bloom next year, cut it off near the base and let the plant rest and grow leaves.
- To bloom again, it wants a cooler fall. Nights about 10°F cooler than days, around 60–65°F, for three or four weeks in September and October usually starts a new spike. Our natural Johnston County fall near a window often does it for you.
The eastern North Carolina year
What to do through our Johnston County seasons.
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| SpringMarch–May | New leaves and roots grow. The best time to repot, after the flowers finish. |
| SummerJune–August | Water more often in the heat. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun coming through the window. |
| FallSeptember–November | Cooler nights start new flower spikes. Keep it near the window and keep watering on schedule. |
| WinterDecember–February | Often in bloom. Keep it off cold glass and away from heater vents, and water a little less often. |
Repotting
Repot every one to two years, after it finishes blooming, when the bark breaks down and stays soggy or the roots are crowded. Use fresh orchid bark in a pot just big enough for the roots, ideally one with holes in the sides.
Trim off any brown, mushy or papery-dead roots with clean scissors. Firm, silver or green roots are healthy; keep them.
Quick fixes
Buds drying up and falling before they open
A sudden change: moving it, a draft, a heat vent, or dry soil. Keep it in one steady spot.
Leaves soft, wrinkled and limp
The roots aren’t taking up water, usually because they rotted from staying wet. Check the roots and repot in fresh bark.
Yellow lower leaf
One old leaf yellowing now and then is normal. Several at once usually means too much water.
Dark green leaves, no new flowers
Not enough light. Move it closer to an east window.
Yellow or red-tinged leaves
Too much direct sun. Move it back a few feet.
Water sitting in the center of the leaves
Blot it dry with a paper towel. Water left there can rot the plant.
Common questions
How often do you water an orchid?
About once a week in most homes, when the roots look silver and the bark feels dry.
Is the ice cube method okay?
Yes. Three ice cubes once a week is a simple, gentle way to water. Just keep the ice off the leaves and make sure nothing pools in the bottom of the pot.
Will my orchid bloom again?
Yes, with bright indirect light and a cooler fall. Most bloom once a year.
Should I cut the orchid stem after the flowers fall?
If it is still green, cut above the second node and it may rebloom. If it is brown, cut it near the base.
More plant care guides
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
Medium light, a drink when it droops, and filtered water for clean leaf tips.
Read the guide →Succulents
Echeveria, jade, aloe, haworthia and more
Lots of sun, a deep drink when bone dry, and then leave it alone.
Read the guide →Dish Gardens & Planter Baskets
Mixed green and blooming plants
Several plants in one container. Water lightly, give it bright indirect light, and separate them when they outgrow it.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com