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Orchidaceae
Moth Orchid
Phalaenopsis amabilis
Love, beauty, refinement, fertility.
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Genus
- Phalaenopsis
- Native to
- Southeast Asia, Philippines, Indonesia, northern Australia
- Bloom season
- Winter, Spring, Year-Round Indoors
- Type
- Epiphytic orchid
- Height
- 30–90 cm
- Sunlight
- Bright indirect light
- Soil
- Bark or sphagnum (epiphytic mix)
- Water
- Weekly soak; allow to nearly dry between
- Hardiness
- 11–12
- Lifespan
- Decades; same plant rebloomed yearly
Did you know
- The name Phalaenopsis comes from the Greek phalaina (moth) and opsis (appearance) — early botanists thought the flowers in flight looked like tropical moths.
- Moth orchids are by far the world's best-selling orchid, accounting for over 75% of all orchid sales globally.
- In the wild they cling to tree branches with their roots, soaking up rainwater and dissolved nutrients without ever touching soil.
- A single flower spike can carry blooms that last 2–3 months, and a healthy plant will rebloom every year with proper care.
- Phalaenopsis amabilis is the national flower of Indonesia, where it's called 'puspa pesona' — the flower of charm.
Color meanings
White
Innocence and purity
Pink
Femininity and grace
Purple
Royalty and admiration