The popular Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the easiest varieties of orchids to grow as a houseplant, and is often called the beginner orchid due to its easy going nature, or the moth orchid due to the shape of its blooms. Native to India, China, and Southeast Asia — this orchid with leafy stems and long-lasting flowers does best a bright, warm, humid spot. Indoors, the Phalaenopsis will typically bloom about once a year, for up to three months. After a blooming cycle, the flowers will wilt and fall off. When this happens, don’t worry, your orchid is not dead, it’s just storing up energy to re-bloom again next season.
Sunlight |
Thrives in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate medium, indirect light. |
Water |
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing potting medium to dry out between waterings. If kept in decorative cache planter, pour out excess water after watering. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. |
Humidity |
Orchids do not like dry air, so be sure to keep humidity around the plant anywhere from 50–70%. During the fall or winter, you can help to boost humidity with a humidifier or wet pebble tray. |
Temperature |
Average home temperature of 65°–75°F. They can tolerate as low as 55°F and as high as 85°F. |
Potting Mix |
Smaller orchids are potted in either a coco plug or sphagnum moss. They can remain in this potting medium for 1-2 years, until their roots and leaves have outgrown the size of the pot and the orchid needs fresh nutrients and larger space. Larger orchids are potted in a bark media. Bark provides the proper airflow required to keep mature roots happy and healthy. |
