All flowers
Moth Orchid Wikimedia Commons
Orchidaceae

Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis spp.

Luxury and refined beauty.

Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Phalaenopsis
Native to
Southeast Asia, Philippines, Australia
Bloom season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Type
epiphyte
Height
1-2 ft
Sunlight
indirect light
Soil
orchid bark mix
Water
moderate
Hardiness
10-12
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Moth orchids are the most popular orchid genus sold worldwide, accounting for about 75% of all orchid sales.
  • Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg mistook a cluster of these flowers for moths when he first spotted them, inspiring the genus name.
  • A well-cared-for moth orchid can rebloom multiple times a year for decades.
  • They have no fragrance in most species because they rely on visual cues rather than scent to attract pollinators.
  • Moth orchids can be induced to rebloom by exposing them to cooler nighttime temperatures around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks.

Color meanings

0

elegance

1

love

2

sophistication

Uses

  • indoor houseplant
  • ornamental display
  • gift plant
  • hybridization