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Phalaenopsis Orchid

4.5 out of 5 (233 experiences)

Survivor

Blooms easily

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! 🦋 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! 🐝

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Phalaenopsis spp.

Genus

Phalaenopsis

Family

Orchidaceae

Order

Asparagales

Also known as

Anggrek bulan, Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis Orchid and Bramble Orchid

How to care for Phalaenopsis Orchid

💦 Water

How often to water your Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t 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

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Phalaenopsis Orchid in your home

Phalaenopsis Orchid may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, 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 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchid

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Phalaenopsis Orchid: repot after 2X growth

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 it’s 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 year—whichever comes first.

Browse #PhalaenopsisOrchid

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

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!

How to Grow Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Benefits of Growing Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Common Phalaenopsis Orchid Problems →

Indoor Care Guide for Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Outdoor Care Guide for Phalaenopsis Orchid →

💦 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.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Water Frequency →

Phalaenopsis Orchid Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Phalaenopsis Orchid may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 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 🏡.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Light Requirements →

Phalaenopsis Orchid Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 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.

Is Phalaenopsis Orchid Edible? →

Phalaenopsis Orchid Toxicity to Dogs →

💨 Humidity

Phalaenopsis Orchid doesn’t 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.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Humidity Needs →

🪴 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!

Best Soil Mix for Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Best Pots for Phalaenopsis Orchid →

When and How to Successfully Repot Phalaenopsis Orchid →

What Are Healthy Phalaenopsis Orchid Roots →

💩 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 it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Phalaenopsis Orchid →

🌎 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.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Flowers →

Is Phalaenopsis Orchid an Annual Plant? →

Is Phalaenopsis Orchid a Perennial Plant? →

Phalaenopsis Orchid Pollination Guide →

Common Phalaenopsis Orchid Flower Problems →

⬆️ ⬇️ 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.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Lifecycle →

Phalaenopsis Orchid Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Phalaenopsis Orchid →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Phalaenopsis Orchid can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Temperature Tolerance →

Phalaenopsis Orchid Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Phalaenopsis Orchid →

When to Plant Phalaenopsis Orchid →

How to Plant Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Where to Plant Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Winter Care for Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Best Companion Plants for Phalaenopsis Orchid →

Is Phalaenopsis Orchid a Weed? →

🌱 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

How to Propagate Phalaenopsis Orchid →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s 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!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Common Bugs Affecting Phalaenopsis Orchid →

What Eats Phalaenopsis Orchid? →

Care Summary for Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Survivor 108

Blooms easily 99

Large, lush leaves 66

Fast grower 46

Browns easily 14

Easy to propagate 14

Pest magnet 3

@@MariansOasis

89 Plants

26,470 XP

03/27/2022

Amazingly beautiful flowers. Must be patient however as it blooms once a year under right conditions. I’ve had some that didn’t bloom for years. But I’ve learned that it’s particular about light, water and temperature. Learn how to care for it and you’ll be rewarded with flowers 🌸

Survivor

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @MariansOasis named Emiko on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Plantoasis

0 Plants

311 XP

Leeds, England

03/18/2022

Absolutely gorgeous plant and it’s super easy to care for as long as you get the nursery plug out in time.

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Plantoasis named Julia on Greg, the plant care app.

@@LovingSunnyAZ

10 Plants

7,984 XP

Goodyear, AZ

02/21/2022

Beautiful flowers that last several months!

Survivor

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @LovingSunnyAZ named Orchid on Greg, the plant care app.

@@MariansOasis

89 Plants

26,470 XP

02/02/2022

Beautiful flowers. Slow grower. Easy going.

Survivor

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @MariansOasis named Orchid Girl on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Pastel

8 Plants

1,028 XP

01/24/2022

This plant is so pretty but it was one of my very first plants so I wasn’t sure how to take care of it and it’s starting to wilt and die. If you get this plant make sure you do your research

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Pastel named Phala on Greg, the plant care app.

@@BoozyBillsBabe

46 Plants

9,015 XP

Baltimore, MD

01/14/2022

A beautiful orchid that blooms really easily in bright light

Fast grower

Blooms easily

Large, lush leaves

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @BoozyBillsBabe named Penelope on Greg, the plant care app.

@@dylan1stokes

36 Plants

3,495 XP

Witham, England

01/10/2022

I have only just recently got my orchid. I have been wanting one for a long time and got this one reduced. The pedals are so pretty and look forward to having this new plant

Fast grower

Blooms easily

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @dylan1stokes named Violet on Greg, the plant care app.

@@BackupKamahi

15 Plants

859 XP

Cincinnati, OH

01/05/2022

My boyfriend got this for me from Kroger and i was unable to move it to a larger pot quickly, but it also came with bugs and I am treating it and giving it orchid food hopefully he comes back :(

Browns easily

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @BackupKamahi named Tough Little Shit on Greg, the plant care app.

@@AshleysOasis1

123 Plants

7,756 XP

01/03/2022

Beautiful.

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @AshleysOasis1 named Darla on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Cyrilcuba

3 Plants

78 XP

Miami, FL

01/01/2022

There flowers don’t last long and they it takes for ever to grow back. I have to be constantly buying new ones

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Cyrilcuba named Elina on Greg, the plant care app.

@@tango

38 Plants

6,246 XP

12/31/2021

Mine is beautiful! Relatively easy to keep alive but very hard to get it to bloom. Overall worth it!

Fast grower

Survivor

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @tango named Violet on Greg, the plant care app.

@@PurpleThumb22

4 Plants

118 XP

12/07/2021

Orchids are hard. She has lost all her leaves. 😕

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @PurpleThumb22 named Pax on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Stubby

22 Plants

1,790 XP

12/07/2021

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!

Fast grower

Blooms easily

Survivor

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Stubby named Love on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Newplantmom503

5 Plants

95 XP

Portland, OR

12/05/2021

Make sure you water it with warm water. Not hot or cold,warm.

Blooms easily

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Newplantmom503 named Dolores on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Megan

29 Plants

14,740 XP

Washington, DC

11/28/2021

Pretty easy - but contrary to what a lot of grocery store tags say, please don’t give them ice cubes!! Orchids are tropical plants - they don’t want cold water.

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Megan named Your plant on Greg, the plant care app.

@Tara

2 Plants

102 XP

Ohoka, Canterbury

11/27/2021

Careful not to overwater or allow it to stand in water.

Blooms easily

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by Tara named Pink on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Megan

29 Plants

14,740 XP

Washington, DC

11/24/2021

Orchids have a semi-scary reputation but they really aren’t that bad! I promise! It’s 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 don’t like cold water!

@@Newsha

9 Plants

237 XP

Denver, CO

11/11/2021

Grocery store orchid that that was dying. Repotted with breathable inner pot, removed A LOT of root rot, and uses RepotMe “soil”….now it’s growing like crazy - lots of new leaves and roots. Fingers crossed it’ll grow a new spike and bloom in the next year. 🤞🏼

Survivor

Fast grower

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Newsha named Stitch on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Sesesede

5 Plants

158 XP

11/09/2021

The flowers last ages if it is looked after properly.

Blooms easily

Survivor

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant photo by @Sesesede named bub on Greg, the plant care app.

@@Jfbydesign

36 Plants

3,496 XP

Lincoln Park, NJ

10/31/2021

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 don’t 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!