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4.5 out of 5 (233 experiences)


About Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis orchids get their name from the Greek 'phalaina' meaning moth, as their flowers are thought to resemble moth or butterfly wings! š¦ Once their flowers have blossomed, they will eventually die but the plant will live one and continue to produce new flower spikes throughout its life. Orchid flowers evolved to attract pollinators and ther unique shape helps keep insects safe while collecting and dispersing pollen! š
Taxonomy
Phalaenopsis spp.
Phalaenopsis
Orchidaceae
Asparagales
Also known as
Anggrek bulan, Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis Orchid and Bramble Orchid

How to care for Phalaenopsis Orchid

How often to water your Phalaenopsis Orchid

every 9
Phalaenopsis Orchid needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Phalaenopsis Orchid in your home

a window
Phalaenopsis Orchid may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves š, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Phalaenopsis Orchid in your home š”.

How to fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchid

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Phalaenopsis Orchid after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

Phalaenopsis Orchid is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Phalaenopsis Orchid prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Phalaenopsis Orchid may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves š without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Phalaenopsis Orchid is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.
Humidity
Phalaenopsis Orchid doesnāt require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Phalaenopsis Orchid does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Phalaenopsis Orchid should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as itās refreshed yearly, you shouldnāt need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Native Region
Phalaenopsis Orchid is native to Southeast Asia and Australia.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Phalaenopsis Orchid bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Phalaenopsis Orchid is a naturally climbing plant and can be trained to climb indoors if you provide a moss pole or trellis. The newest growth will emerge from the end of the stems.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Phalaenopsis Orchid can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Phalaenopsis Orchid can be propagated by division into new individual plants.
- Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
- If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
- Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
- Repot the parent plant back into its original pot
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves arenāt always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plantās life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, itās likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Phalaenopsis Orchid, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 3ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












Amazingly beautiful flowers. Must be patient however as it blooms once a year under right conditions. Iāve had some that didnāt bloom for years. But Iāve learned that itās particular about light, water and temperature. Learn how to care for it and youāll be rewarded with flowers šø






I received this orchid as a gift in August and as soon as I got it I changed the soil (had a death plug). Fast forward to a few weeks ago and the flowers just fell off and have already formed two more stems,one of which is blooming. I never expected this plant to bloom so fast and so easy!








Orchids have a semi-scary reputation but they really arenāt that bad! I promise! Itās aaaaalll about keeping an eye on the roots (in my opinion). I like to give them a big soak every couple of weeks instead of watering a little bit more often.
But please for the love of all that is good do NOT do the ice cube method!! Orchids are tropical plants! They donāt like cold water!





Grocery store orchid that that was dying. Repotted with breathable inner pot, removed A LOT of root rot, and uses RepotMe āsoilāā¦.now itās growing like crazy - lots of new leaves and roots. Fingers crossed itāll grow a new spike and bloom in the next year. š¤š¼







Just give it 4 ice cubes once a week and it will bloom every year. Be careful not to knock it over because the stem is very delicate. If it breaks off donāt throw the plant away keep giving it ice every week and even though it will take a very long time you will see a stem grow and bloom again. The beauty of this plant makes it well worth the wait and the effort!
