HomeTopics...Plant InformationCaring For Moth Orchids
Caring for Orchids: The Moth Orchid
Orchids are delicate-looking plants that feature blooms of magnificent beauty. Though many orchids have earned a reputation as being difficult to care for, the fact is that many orchids require very minimal care in order to thrive and produce colorful flowers.
For people who want the beauty of orchids in their homes but who don't want a plant that requires complex care, orchid experts suggest the phalaenopsis, or moth orchid. Not only are moth orchids easy to grow and care for, but they also experience long blooming periods. Although most moth orchids' blooming periods last two or three months, some have been known to last as long as nine months!
|
Repotting Orchids
Your moth orchid will likely outgrow its pot in one to three years. When replanting a moth orchid, take care to repot it only after it has bloomed. Follow these steps to repot your growing orchid:
- Line the new pot with either loose rocks or chunks of broken terracotta.
- Carefully lift your orchid's roots out of its pot.
- Gently lower the plant into the new pot, being careful not to crowd it.
- Fill the pot with orchid potting mix until you reach the base of the stem.
- Apply gentle pressure to pack the mix around your orchid.
|
Caring for and Growing Moth Orchids
To make sure your moth orchids blooms for many years, follow these simple tips:
- Fertilizer: During the blooming season (November to April), feed your moth orchid a water-soluble fertilizer as part of your weekly watering. When the plant is not in bloom, fertilize it once every month. While your fertilizer should have instructions on the label, experts recommend using half of the recommended amount.
- Light: Your moth orchid will do its best in an area that receives either bright indirect or filtered sunlight. When receiving the optimal amount of light, a healthy moth orchid will feature medium green leaves. If the leaves of your orchid turn yellow, it is likely receiving too much light. However, if the leaves are dark green the orchid might not be receiving enough light.
- Orchid Containers: The phalaenopsis doesn't require an expensive or extravagant container in order to thrive. In fact, moth orchids do well in the plastic containers in which they are sold. However, as most people don't want to display their orchids in plastic, some people opt to place the plastic container inside a ceramic pot.
If you want to repot your orchid, consider a terracotta pot if you are likely to over-water your plants. Terracotta dries quickly and allows air to reach the roots.
- Potting Materials: Moth orchids are drought-resistant plants that grow attached to the trunks or branches of trees in the wild. Therefore, phalaenopsis do not require and should not be planted in moisture-retaining soil. Rather, plant your moth orchid in potting mixes that contain tree bark, moss, fern fiber, etc.
Many companies create potting mixes specifically for moth orchids. You should be able to find these at your local gardening store.
- Pruning: To encourage new growth, annually prune your moth orchid. After the last flower on your orchid has dropped after blooming season, use pruning shears to cut your orchid's stem at its mid-point. Be sure to cut at a slight angle. In six to eight weeks, a new stem may emerge. If it does not, cut the remainder of the stem off.
- Temperatures: Moth orchids are excellent indoor plants and adapt well to a variety of household environments. In general, a moth orchid enjoys that same indoor conditions as most humans. Moth orchids will thrive in daytime temperatures as high as the 85 ˚F and in nighttime temperatures that do not drop below 65 ˚F.
-
Watering: In general, your moth orchid will need to be watered every five to seven days. Due to the fact that your moth orchid will be planted in bark or some other orchid-appropriate medium, your orchid won't benefit from traditional watering methods. To water your orchid, submerge the pot to its rim in a sink of water for approximately 10 minutes. This will allow the bark to absorb water. Before putting the pot back on its saucer, drain the water in the sink and allow the orchid to drain completely.
