Moth Orchid

Orchids, believed to be the second largest family of flowering plants, are different from most other flowers in their appearance. Their delicate beauty is reflected in their uniquely designed petals. The Moth Orchid is an orchid genus, having approximately 60 species.

Moth Orchid is actually called Phalaenopsis orchid. Phalaena is a name given to a group of large moths. Phalaenopsis means "Phalaen like". These flowers resemble moths in flight or the outstretched wings of moths. That's why the name Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid. They can be variously found in shades of pink, lavender, mauve, white, pale green and canary yellow. Their natural habitat spans South-East Asia and northern Australia.

Moth Orchids are Epiphytes, i.e. they grow on other plants and trees. Some can be Lithophytes as well, i.e., they can grow on rocks. They exhibit monopodial growth habit which means they grow upwards from a single stem. The stem which grows erect produces thick, fleshy, elliptical leaves. These leaves are sometimes spectacularly mottled. There can be one or many flowers on a single stem. They bloom for several weeks and at home, can last for 3-4 months. In the wild, they grow on trees under the canopies of rainforests. They need warm and moist air, and shade to grow. They cannot survive in direct sunlight. Moth Orchids do not produce seeds; they spread by producing offshoots on the ends of their roots. They bloom in late winter or early spring.

Care and Maintenance

Moth Orchids are one of those plants which can be grown easily at home. Here are a few tips to keep a note of, before you decide to get one for yourself.

Ideal Environment

Moth Orchids should be protected from direct sunlight, so place them at or near a window which doesn't get direct sunlight, such as the east, west or a shaded south window. Using a shear curtain to filter the sun's rays is ideal for these flowers. Ideal room temperature ranges from 55ºF to 80ºF (13ºC to 27ºC). Moth Orchids require a humid environment. Air-conditioning, dehumidifiers, heaters, etc., are harmful for them. Misting can improve humidity, as also, placing the orchid on a saucer of pebbles with water, can also be beneficial (but make sure the orchid doesn't touch the water).

Watering

Watering of Moth Orchids requires care. If this flower is attached to a piece of wood or lava rock, spray water on its aerial roots daily. The water should be of room temperature; ideally rainwater or clean tap water should be used. But remember not to spray the leaves. Because if water accumulates in the crown of the plant, it will rot and die. So it's better to wipe the leaves with wet cotton wool. Make sure the Moth Orchid does not remain sitting in water for too long, all water needs to drain off. At the same time, it should not remain completely dry, for too long. In the summers, water it daily, while in winters less frequent watering is required.

Potting, Fertilizing and Feeding

If you are planning to keep a potted Moth Orchid, use a transparent pot, as its roots need plenty of light. Fertilizer should be added once a month, soluble fertilizers can be added along with water. Re-potting is required only when the plant grows too big for its pot or when the potting medium needs to be changed. When you re-pot, which won't be too often, use a special orchid compost mix made of pine bark with some charcoal, perlite or sphagnum moss added to it. Moth Orchids should be fed once a week. Orchid foods available in the market can be diluted and used as specified.

Pruning

As the blooms on the orchid flower start wilting, they should be trimmed from the base with the help of pruning shears or a razor blade craft tool. Timely pruning can bring about a burst of new flowers if the plant is healthy and the season, not too late. When all flowers on a spike have faded, examine the spike and look for the green, fleshy nodes or bumps. From the base of the spike, count out 3 green nodes and cut the spike 1 inch above the third node. This will, in a few weeks' time, produce a fresh bloom of flowers.

Like all orchids, a Moth Orchid too, with its dazzling colors and spectacular hues, can brighten up any part of a room. So take good care of your beautiful orchids, and see for yourself how these "things of beauty" add joy to your life!