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Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) Care Guide

Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) Care Guide

Orchids: the trusty indoor plant that can brighten up your windowsill or your friend’s day—perfect for those "I totally remembered your birthday!" moments. They're loved by many and, believe it or not, aren’t that hard to keep alive. Get the basics right, and you’ll be an orchid whisperer for life. Seriously! The orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the largest flowering plant family on earth with about 28,000 species, of which 470-odd are indigenous to South Africa. The locals inhabit wetlands and stream banks in the Fynbos region, like many Disa, or thrive on wet, moss-covered cliff faces in the Cape Mountains. Some terrestrial orchids can also be found in the savanna grasslands. Orchids stun in a range of sizes, colours and even fragrances! So whether you’re a first-time “orchid-er” or an up and coming orchid aficionado, we’ve got all the tips you need to keep them thriving!

The orchid you likely received as a gift (or panic-bought last minute) is a Phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid. If you want yours to last longer than a few months—and avoid that awkward “Oops, I did it again” moment—here are some handy tips.


How do you take care of a potted Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)?

Phalaenopsis orchids are used to high-altitude living, as they are originally from the Himalayas. So when growing them indoors, we need to replicate those natural conditions (don’t worry, it's not as lofty as it sounds). Plus, these orchids don’t take up much space, making them ideal for city-dwellers or windowsill gardeners.

Light

These epiphytes need bright, indirect light. Direct sun = bad news like burnt leaves and you don’t want that!

Temperature

Moth orchids prefer cosy temperatures of between 18 to 28 degrees celsius. Protect them from drafts, and sudden temperature drops.

Humidity

To mimic the moist and dewy conditions moth orchids naturally grow in, you should mist your leaves and soil frequently (avoid misting the flowers). Alternatively, make use of a humidifier. You can also use humidity trays.


Watering

You may think you are caring for your orchids when you keep them constantly hydrated, but you could be killing them with kindness. Their root system is similar to that of a cactus! Watering requirements differ through the seasons, and did you know that orchids can actually tell you when they need a drink? If the roots are a silverish green, they are ready for hydration, and after being watered these roots will become dark green. So, when in doubt, read the signs.

Here’s a quick guide to watering moth orchids:

  • Use room temperature water

  • Water every 5 days or once a week (only water when the plant is dry and when it is warm)

  • Do not water them at night in winter

  • They do not need much water in winter, so only hydrate them once every second week

  • Drain your plants after watering

You should also keep the leaves free of dust by giving them a good wipe down with a wet cloth. Refrain from putting ice cubes on the potting medium – orchids don’t like the cold, and even if the ice isn’t touching the aerial roots, they still feel it. After all, plants have feelings. 

Phalaenopsis orchid

Re-potting 

Your orchid can be repotted as soon as you bring her home. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage and make more holes if necessary. If you choose to keep your orchid in the pot you purchased her in, then repot every year or second year (usually when the potting medium breaks down). Make sure you use a pot that isn’t too large for your orchid. Remember, orchids like to keep their roots snug. Alternatively, add more stones to the pot. If you are keen to fill out a large container with orchids we recommend using a few smaller pots to do the job.


Here’s what you will need for repotting:

  • A thin layer of gauze or similar (optional)

  • ⅓ stones, or hydrokorrels

  • A sprinkling of chemical-free charcoal chips (optional)

  • ⅔ light and airy growing medium such as Pokon Orchid Growing Medium or similar

  • Stakes / wires (optional)



Steps for planting:

  1. Cover the bottom of your pot with a thin piece of gauze.

  2. Layer your pot with a third of small stones or Pokon Hydrokorrels.

  3. Place the charcoal in the pot.

  4. Tuck your orchid along with the roots into the pot.

  5. Fill with your potting medium, taking care to not cover the crown, which should be above the medium. Also, allow the aerial roots to be above soil level where they can freely take in moisture from the air.

  6. Press in your medium and use stakes or wires to keep your orchid firmly in place.


Top tips:

Always sterilise your pot and tools before using them. Do not cut the roots or leaves. Only if it is crinkly or mushy.

Fertiliser

In their growing season, feed your orchids every second week, with Orchid Plant Food or similar. Keep them well-fed but not overindulged!

Air circulation

Ensure good air flow around your plants, but avoid cold drafts. Using a light and airy medium, such as Pokon Orchid Growing Medium, bark chips, or moss, promotes the airflow that orchid roots need to thrive.

Pruning

Remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Only cut off flower spikes after it has died, because as long as it is green, there is potential for more flowers.

Support and staking

Use support clips, wires and stakes to keep your plant upright and looking fabulous!

Pests and diseases

Prevention is better than cure! Providing good air flow and avoiding overwatering are key in preventing fungal or bacterial issues.

Rest period / reblooming 

After blooming, your orchid may take a well-deserved rest. When they aren’t in bloom, remove them from their decorative pots for photosynthesis on the roots.

In our experience, after flowering, if the stem is still green, you can cut it down by 1/3 to stimulate re-flowering.

Getting your moth orchid to bloom again requires a cold spell to trigger flowering. You can provide your orchid with 3 weeks of cooler conditions so that she can make more flowers.

 Are orchids pet friendly?  

Good news, orchids are pet-friendly! There is no known orchid that is poisonous, so they are safe to be around children and furry ones. 

More about orchids 

If you are growing your orchids outside, ensure that they are in a warm, frost-free environment with good humidity, and don’t plant them into a garden bed unless they are ground orchids. Many are epiphytes and would need to be grown in pots or hanging baskets on a shaded patio, or mounted in trees, in an area that is protected from strong winds and excessive rainfall.


With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the neighbourhood’s go-to orchid expert—or at least someone who can proudly say, “Yep, I kept it alive!”


Happy orchiding!




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Comments

Hadeco Petal Pixies - February 4, 2025

We are thrilled to hear, Bets. Let us know how they progress.

bets botes - February 4, 2025

Baie dankie! Hierdie artikel het 8 mot-orgidee gered! Nou kan ek hulle behandel soos voorgeskryf en volgende seisoen lieflike nuwe blomme geniet!

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