Moth orchid

One of the showiest houseplants, moth orchid is remarkably easy to grow -- despite its reputation. It also offers some of the best variety; look for miniatures that grow only a few inches tall to big hybrids that produce 3-foot-tall spikes of flowers. The blooms appear in a rainbow of colors -- from pinks to reds, yellows and oranges, lavender, green, and white. Most bloom only once a year, but the flowers can last six months or more.

Grow moth orchid in a spot where it gets medium to bright light (such as on the windowsill of a north- or east-facing window). Water and fertilize them weekly in spring and summer when they're growing; hold off the plant food and water less in fall and winter when the plants usually rest. Like many houseplants, moth orchid does best in high humidity.

Pot this plant in orchid bark or sphagnum moss; if you grow it in potting mix, the roots will likely rot and die.

Plant Type:

Indoor Plant

Plant Height:

To 1 foot tall

Plant Width:

To 1 foot wide

Flower Color:

White, Pink/Rose, Blue/Violet/Lavender, Red, Yellow/Gold, Orange, Green, Bicolor

Bloom Time:

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Special Features:

Flowers,Cut Flowers,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Dragon's Gold moth orchid

(Phalaenopsis Dragon's Gold) bears spikes of yellow-green flowers on a compact plant with dark green foliage.
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Golden Peacock moth orchid

(Phalaenopsis Golden Peoker 'Golden Peacock') offers spikes of yellow flowers heavily spotted with dark burgundy red.
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Jupiter moth orchid

(Phalaenopsis Jupiter) shows off spikes of white flowers that bear a red-pink center.
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Phalaenopsis schilleriana

(Phalaenopsis schilleriana) offers fragrant pink flowers. It also has bold foliage marbled with silvery streaks.
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Phalaenopsis stuartiana

(Phalaenopsis stuartiana) offers white starry flowers with red spots. The dramatic dark green foliage has silvery markings on top and burgundy blotches beneath.
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Sedona's Maki Dream moth orchid

(Phalaenopsis 'Sedona's Maki Dream') bears spikes of many lovely lavender-pink flowers.
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Sogo David moth orchid

(Phalaenopsis Sogo David) offers spikes of yellow flowers with pink speckles that become more dense toward the blooms' center.
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Taisuco moth orchid

(Phalaenopsis Taisuco Koohdan) bursts forth with spikes of large pure-white flowers.
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Y.N. moth orchid

(Phalaenopsis Sogo Grape 'Y.N.') produces spikes of dark red-purple flowers that are especially long lasting.
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