phalaenopsis orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid Growing & Care Guide

There are few flowers I enjoy growing more than the Phalaenopsis orchid. For me, the allure of Phalaenopsis orchids is in their exquisite beauty and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully growing and nurturing such a delicate plant.

The delicate, arching stems and colorful, graceful flowers are a feast for the eyes, and they make a stunning addition to any indoor space. Phalaenopsis orchids are also relatively easy to care for, and with a little attention, anyone can successfully grow and enjoy these plants.

Watching them bloom is a rewarding experience that can lift your mood and bring a sense of calm to your space. For me, growing orchids is a way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world in my home.

What Are Phalaenopsis Orchids?

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are a genus of tropical epiphytic or lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. They are native to Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and parts of Australia, and are widely cultivated for their beautiful and long-lasting flowers.

These are known for their large, showy flowers, which can come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including white, pink, yellow, and purple, with spots, stripes, or other markings. The flowers are typically borne on long, arching stems and can last for several weeks or even months, making them a popular choice for indoor decoration.

They are also favored for their ease of cultivation and adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. They are often grown as houseplants and can thrive in low light and warm, humid environments. With proper care, they can bloom repeatedly throughout the year, making them a rewarding choice for both novice and experienced orchid growers.

Different Varieties To Grow

There are a few different common varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids to choose from, depending on the color of orchid flower you want. These are the most popular commercially available Phalaenopsis orchids:

  1. Phalaenopsis aphrodite
  2. Phalaenopsis amabilis
  3. Phalaenopsis schilleriana
  4. Phalaenopsis gigantea
  5. Phalaenopsis bellina
  6. Dendrobium phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis aphrodite

Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a species of orchid native to Taiwan, where it grows in warm, humid forests. It is also commonly known as the “Taiwan orchid” or “noble orchid.” The plant has thick, leathery leaves and long, arching stems that can produce multiple flowers.

The flowers are typically white, with a yellow or pink center, and have a pleasant fragrance. Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a popular species for cultivation and has been used in hybridization to create many of the colorful and diverse Phalaenopsis orchids that are available today.

Phalaenopsis amabilis

Phalaenopsis amabilis is a species of orchid that is native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is commonly known as the “moon orchid” or “queen of the orchids.” The plant has long, dark green leaves and produces long, arching stems that can reach up to 90 cm in length.

The flowers are large and fragrant, with a white color and a distinctive yellow or green center. The plant is highly valued for its beauty and has been used in the breeding of many of the Phalaenopsis hybrids that are popular today.

Phalaenopsis schilleriana

Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a species of orchid that is native to the Philippines. It is commonly known as Schiller’s orchid or the pink butterfly orchid. The plant has thick, dark green leaves and produces long, arching stems that can reach up to 60 cm in length.

Phalaenopsis schilleriana’s flowers are typically pink, with a white or pink center and purple markings. They are large and showy, with a waxy texture and a pleasant fragrance. This is a popular species for cultivation and has been used in hybridization to create many of the colorful and diverse Phalaenopsis orchids that are available today.

Phalaenopsis gigantea

Phalaenopsis gigantea is a species of orchid that is native to Borneo and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as the giant orchid due to its large size, with leaves that can reach up to 1 meter in length and stems that can produce flowers up to 15 cm across.

The flowers of this orchid are typically white, with a yellow or green center, and have a fragrant scent. They can come in other colors, however. The plant is highly valued for its beauty and rarity, and is a popular species for cultivation among orchid enthusiasts and collectors. However, it can be challenging to grow and requires specific conditions, such as high humidity and indirect light.

Phalaenopsis bellina

Phalaenopsis bellina is a species of orchid that is native to Borneo and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as the “bellina orchid” or “sweetheart orchid.” The plant has broad, deep green leaves and produces long, arching stems that can produce multiple flowers.

The flowers are typically pink, purple, or lavender, with a yellow or purple center, and have a sweet, fruity fragrance. The plant is highly valued for its beauty and fragrance and has been used in hybridization to create many of the colorful and diverse Phalaenopsis orchids that are popular today.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis

Dendrobium phalaenopsis is a hybrid orchid resulting from the crossing of Dendrobium bigibbum and Phalaenopsis species. It is also commonly known as the “Phalaenopsis Dendrobium.” The plant has thin, elongated leaves and produces long, arching stems that can have multiple flowers.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis’ flowers are typically white, pink, or lavender, with a yellow or purple center, and have a pleasant fragrance. The plant is highly valued for its beauty and easy care, and is a popular species for cultivation among orchid enthusiasts and collectors.

Growing And Care Guide

Phalaenopsis orchids are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginners and experienced orchid growers alike. Here are some general care tipss:

  1. Light: Phalaenopsis orchids prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
  2. Watering: Water once a week, or when the potting mix feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot.
  3. Humidity: Phalaenopsis orchids prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%. Place a humidifier nearby or mist the leaves regularly.
  4. Temperature: Phalaenopsis orchids prefer warm temperatures between 18-30°C during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night.
  5. Fertilizer: Feed Phalaenopsis orchids every two weeks during the growing season (spring to summer) with a balanced orchid fertilizer, and reduce the frequency in the fall and winter.
  6. Potting: Repot Phalaenopsis orchids every 1-2 years, using a well-draining orchid potting mix.
  7. Pruning: Remove spent flowers and yellow leaves to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth.

By following these care tips, you can keep your Phalaenopsis orchids healthy and blooming for years to come.

How Long Do Phalaenopsis Orchids Live?

Phalaenopsis orchids can live for 10-15 years, with proper care and maintenance. However, the lifespan of an orchid can vary depending on several factors, such as its environment, genetics, and growing conditions. Some Phalaenopsis orchids have been known to live for 20 years or more with excellent care.

It’s important to note that the 10-15 year lifespan for Phalaenopsis orchids refers to the time it takes for the plant to go through its natural life cycle, which includes growth, blooming, and dormancy.

As orchids age, they may become less productive in terms of blooming, but they can still be healthy and continue to grow. By providing proper care and maintenance, you can help extend the life of your orchids and enjoy their beauty for many years to come.

How To Make Phalaenopsis Orchids Flower

Phalaenopsis orchids are known for their beautiful and long-lasting flowers, but getting them to bloom can sometimes be a challenge. If you can stick to the basics of growing these orchids, they should bloom without much intervention from you. Here are some tips on how to encourage your orchids to flower:

  1. Provide Adequate Light: Orchids need bright, indirect light to trigger flowering. Place them near a north or east-facing window, but avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
  2. Maintain Optimal Temperature: Phalaenopsis orchids require a consistent temperature range of 18-30°C during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Fluctuations in temperature can prevent flowering.
  3. Water Properly: Overwatering or underwatering can cause stress to the orchid and prevent flowering. Water Phalaenopsis orchids once a week, or when the potting mix feels dry to the touch.
  4. Use Fertilizer: Orchids require proper nutrition to produce healthy blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to summer) to provide the necessary nutrients.
  5. Provide Adequate Humidity: Orchids prefer high humidity levels of 50-70%. Place a humidifier nearby or mist the leaves regularly to maintain proper humidity levels.
  6. Prune Properly: Remove spent flowers and yellow leaves to prevent the orchid from wasting energy on dead parts. Pruning also encourages new growth and blooming.

By following these tips, you can help encourage your orchids to bloom and enjoy their beautiful flowers for weeks or even months.

When And To Repot

When it’s time to repot your orchid, you may notice several signs that it is time. One of the most common signs is when the orchid simply and very clearly outgrows its current pot. Other signs include when the orchid’s roots are growing out of the drainage holes, when the medium is breaking down and becoming mushy, or when the roots are starting to droop down the side of the pot and encircle the pot. If you notice any of these signs, it is probably high time to repot your orchid.

Repotting an orchid usually has to happen about every 1-2 years. It’s best to repot orchids once they’ve finished flowering. Repotting an orchid may be necessary if the plant has become sunburned or damaged.

To repot an orchid, begin by gently removing the plant from its current pot and shaking off as much of the old orchid medium as possible. Carefully inspect the root system, discarding any brown or black roots, and trimming off any long, straggly roots.

Place the orchid in its new pot filled with fresh orchid-specific medium, making sure the plant is seated at the same level as it was in the original pot. Water thoroughly, and then place the orchid in a bright, but not direct, light source. Ideally, you should place it back in the exact location it was before being repotted.

Thomas Nelson
Gardening Expert
Hi! I'm Thomas, one of the founders of The Garden Magazine. I come from a long line of gardeners who used the art of gardening as a way to live long, healthy lives. I'm here to share my knowledge of gardening with the world!