What's In a Name

• The genus name Phalaenopsis means 'like a moth' and is derived from the Greek 'Phalaina' (moth) and 'opsis' (resembling). The English name is "moth orchid," its common name, which is a great description of the beautiful blooms that open up to resemble a tropical moth in flight.
  
  

Blossoms

• A moth orchid in bloompink phalaenopsis orchids image by leprechaun from Fotolia.com
  
  The moth orchids bloom mainly during the dreary months of winter, December through March, with as many as 12 blossoms on a single plant stem. The flowers range in size from 2 inches to nearly 5 inches in diameter. Colors include white, pinks, lavender and yellow in both solid colors and mixes of stripes and spots. Many new bold colors are being developed each year. Individual blooms open along an arching spike and can last as long as three months.
  
  

Soil

• The moth orchid requires a special bark mix; standard potting soil will not work for this plant. This orchid grows in a mixture of 2/3 medium fir bark and 1/3 coarse perlite. You can find this pre-packaged mix at your local garden center. Since orchid mix breaks down quickly, it is recommended to re-pot every 12 to 18 months, preferably in the spring after it has finished blooming.
  
  

Light and Temperature

• The moth orchid will thrive in any low to medium light; an east facing window is the best location for this blooming plant. Temperature range should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and 60 to 70 degrees at night.
  
  

Watering

• Water the moth orchid early in the day, giving the plants and potting mix time to dry out before evening. The best watering method is to completely soak the soil mix, allowing excess water to drain. When the potting mix is dry or almost dry, it is time to water. If the soil is slightly moist, watering needs to be delayed for a day or so.
  
  

Fertilizing

• The moth orchid requires frequent applications of fertilizer; Miracle Grow is a commercial brand that works well. It is best to take the conservative approach using only half the dose recommended on the label. For a healthy plant and abundant blooms, the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) can be fertilized year round using this formula.
  
  

Accessibility

• Since the moth orchid is the most common orchid, it is less expensive than other more exotic orchids and can easily be found at your local garden center and even in the floral section of your grocery store. With proper care, the moth orchid will provide months of large, gorgeous blossoms during the dreariest part of winter.