Questions We're Often Asked: Moth Orchid Care

Moth orchids--Phalaenopsis--are everywhere these days. From supermarket to local grocery store if you want one, you won't have far to go.

An unimpeded north window will suffice but and east window is probably best. West or south windows are satisfactory if the plants are protected from direct sunlight. Weird, whacky and wonderful are some of the recommendations for moth orchid care. Under favourable conditions, modest watering every three days is usually adequate. Use tepid water and never allow the pot to sit and soak in excess water. Be careful not to splash the crown as this will risk rot. Spray with water on a daily basis. Feed monthly with an organic-based fertilizer. But what happens after a month or more, and the floral display fades? One horticulturist admits it takes more care to persuade them to rebloom than she cares to devote. Instead she passes them on to orchid fanciers who are willing to give it a go. Most Phalaenopsis are not so lucky. They end up in the garbage or, for the green fanciers, composted. It really shouldn't be. These orchids are amongst the toughest of their kind. It takes but a modicum of additional efforts to have them as permanent household guests. The real problem in persuading moth orchids to repeatedly flower they need a drop of temperature down to 13˚C for two to four weeks to assure bud initiation. This, however, is not carved in compost. Instead, cut back the finished shoot to base, and continue watering, feeding and spraying for several months then move into a cool north window. Don't forget to save the stake and stem clips!

Wes Porter——Bio and Archives

Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.