How to Grow and Care for Moth Orchid

Often sold for just a few dollars at supermarkets, the moth orchid (also known as Phalaenopsis orchid or moon orchid) boasts spectacular, long-lasting flowers that resemble butterflies or moths. These orchids are easy to care for, making them perfect gifts even for houseplant beginners.

Moth orchid flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, purple, pink, salmon, or yellow, often with speckled or blotched patterns. Originating from the warm, humid climates of Southeast Asia, India, Taiwan, China, New Guinea, and Australia, these orchids grow on trees in the wild, anchoring their roots in trunks or branches to access moisture and dappled sunlight from the forest canopy.

Moth Orchid Overview

Genus Name	Phalaenopsis
Common Name	Moth Orchid
Plant Type	Houseplant
Light	Sun
Height	6 to 12 inches
Width	6 to 24 inches
Flower Color	Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Red, White
Foliage Color	Blue/Green
Season Features	Fall Bloom, Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom, Winter Bloom

Where to Grow Moth Orchid

Outdoors, moth orchids are hardy only in the warmest North American climates (USDA zones 10-12). In these regions, moth orchids can be planted outside in warm, humid areas with protection from strong winds and direct sunlight.

Fortunately, for the rest of us, moth orchids make elegant, easy-to-care-for houseplants. When grown indoors, moth orchids enjoy bright, indirect light—so you can keep them almost anywhere in a well-lit room and enjoy their stunning flowers year-round. Group several potted orchids together or mix them with other tropical houseplants like bromeliad, anthurium, peace lily, or African violets to add intrigue.

Moth Orchid Care Tips

Moth orchids are surprisingly easy to care for, although they can be a bit fussy about overfeeding and overwatering. Just find a warm spot for them in a bright room and follow their lead on extra care.

Light

Moth orchids thrive in bright spots of your home where they are protected from direct sunlight. Medium or bright light from a south- or west-facing window will encourage this tropical beauty to bloom for long periods. While they can tolerate low light, they bloom better with brighter light. Ensure your plant is protected from direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Soil and Water

If starting from scratch or rehoming a Phalaenopsis, pot it in orchid bark or sphagnum moss. Avoid potting mix, as it can cause the roots to rot. When the planting medium begins to break down and resembles soil, it's time to repot in a larger container with fresh bark or moss.

Orchids prefer a dryer environment for their roots. Water only when the bark or moss is dry, approximately every 10 to 14 days. Let water run through the planting medium and out the drainage holes for a couple of minutes each time you water.

Temperature and Humidity

Moth orchids enjoy the same temperatures as humans, with average indoor temperatures between 65-76°F keeping them happy.

Like many tropical plants, moth orchids thrive in humid environments. If your home’s humidity levels are low (ideal range is 50-70%), increase humidity around your orchid by placing it on a tray of pebbles with water, ensuring the orchid is above the water line. The evaporating water will humidify the surrounding air. Grouping your orchid with other houseplants can also boost humidity.

Fertilizer

Moth orchids grow at a steady, constant rate, so they benefit from small, regular applications of fertilizer. They do not tolerate overfeeding, so consider the plant’s growth rate to determine the frequency of fertilizing. Apply orchid fertilizer every 1 to 2 weeks in the summer and every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter, following the package instructions.

Pruning

Moth orchids are monopodial, meaning they grow from a single stem and root system. Pruning isn’t usually necessary as old leaves fall off naturally. However, if old, wilted stems, flowers, and leaves don’t drop or show signs of disease, remove the affected parts with sharp, sterile pruning shears. Prune just above the highest healthy node below the lowest wilted bloom and trim dry, brown stems to the soil.

Potting and Repotting

Your orchid will need repotting every one to three years depending on its growth rate and environment. It may not require a larger pot; replacement of the growing medium is often enough. Check annually for signs of the orchid being pot-bound or the medium degrading, and repot if necessary.

Wait to repot until the orchid has stopped blooming, usually in spring or fall. Select a pot that is 1 inch larger or the same size as the current one. If reusing the same pot, replace the growing medium. Remove the plant from its container, gently comb apart the roots, and cut away any dead or shriveled roots with sharp, sterile shears. Place a few inches of new orchid potting mix or bark mix in the new or clean container, hold the plant aloft, and fill in around the roots with more mix. Water as usual.

Pests and Problems

Watering issues are the most common problems for moth orchids. Overwatering can lead to bacterial issues like brown or black rot, while under-watering can cause dehydration, root loss, and rot. Moth orchids can also suffer from fungal conditions like leaf spots, foliar blights, and flower blights.

Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and thrips. Use a sprayer with peppermint castile soap and water (1 tsp soap per quart of water) to spritz them if caught early. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used but may damage the orchid in some climates. Spider mites may also be an issue; deter them by washing leaves with a similar castile soap solution, rinsing afterward, and quarantining the affected plant for two weeks or until the issue is resolved.

How to Propagate Moth Orchid

The most effective propagation method for home growers is through plantlets known as keikis, which are tiny plant clones that develop on the flower stem. While keikis can be left on the mother plant, they will draw resources from it. If not cultivating the keiki into a new plant, simply cut it off with a sharp, sterile knife.

To propagate a keiki, wait until it is about 3 inches long, then use a sterile blade to cut it from the plant, keeping the roots intact. Place the keiki in a separate pot with moistened bark medium and mist it daily as it establishes itself in the new container.

Types of Moth Orchid

Golden Peoker Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis 'Golden Peoker' is a hybrid featuring large dark burgundy spots and blotches on white petals with a yellow center. It was the first in a new category of moth orchids known as harlequins.

Jupiter Moth Orchid

This Phalaenopsis variety showcases spikes of white flowers with red-pink centers.

Dragon's Gold Moth Orchid

This selection of Phalaenopsis boasts spikes of yellow-green flowers and dark green foliage.

Phalaenopsis Schilleriana

Phalaenopsis schilleriana offers fragrant pink flowers and bold foliage that is marbled with silvery streaks.

Phalaenopsis Stuartiana

This type of moth orchid (Phalaenopsis stuartiana) offers white starry flowers with red spots. Its dramatic dark green foliage has silvery markings on top and burgundy blotches beneath.

Sedona's Maki Dream Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis 'Sedona's Maki Dream' bears spikes of many lovely lavender-pink flowers.

Sogo David Moth Orchid

This cultivar of Phalaenopsis displays spikes of yellow flowers with pink speckles that become denser toward the center.

Taisuco Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis 'Taisuco Koohdan' bursts with spikes of large pure-white flowers.

Y.N. Moth Orchid

This Phalaenopsis selection produces spikes of dark red-purple flowers that are especially long-lasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stake my moth orchid?

Deciding whether to stake a Phalaenopsis orchid is a personal choice. If you want your orchid blooms to stand tall and proud, staking is a smart move. Introduce the stake before the flowers begin to develop to encourage proper bloom orientation. When the orchid spike is about 6 to 12 inches long, secure a thin bamboo stake in the growing medium, placed close to the spike, and use tiny butterfly hair clips or twist ties to secure the spike to the stake.

How do I know if my moth orchid needs water?

Water your Phalaenopsis only when it is almost completely dry. If you're uncertain, insert a finger deep into the growing medium. If it feels even slightly damp, hold off on watering. When it’s time, run water over the growing medium until it drains out the holes, but don't let your orchid sit in water. Also, avoid letting pools of water sit around the plant's crown, which could cause rot.

Why are the stems of my moth orchid turning yellow?

Several factors can cause yellowing stems, and not all require removal of the affected stems. One common reason is too much direct sunlight—especially if yellowing occurs on one side. Move your plant to a more sheltered area and the color should return.

Another cause could be rot, indicated by mushy faded stems. Pests could also be a reason, so check the roots and crown for unwelcome guests. If rot or pests are the cause, it's best to remove the affected stems.