The American Orchid Society Phalaenopsis Culture Sheet
Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, may soon be America's favorite houseplant. Lavish sprays of pink, white, yellow, red, spotted and striped flowers, which remain fresh for weeks or months, brighten the winter and spring scene.  Despite the development of dazzling new colors, white phalaenopsis continue to command attention.

Pronunciation: fal-en-OPP-siss

Common name: moth orchid, phal

Number of species: About 50

Distribution: India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Northern Australia.

Habitat: Epiphytes (on trees) or lithophytes (on rocks) in forests.

Culture: Phalaenopsis prosper in conditions prescribed for African violets and paphiopedilums, another group of low-light-loving orchids. Once you find plants to your liking, you'll find that buying phalaenopsis is remarkably easy.


Provide an east- or shaded-south-facing window, 70 to 85 F day temperatures, a minimum night temperature of 60 F, regular watering to keep the medium moist and ample doses of 20-20-20 fertilizer, especially in the spring and summer. In the autumn, switching to a bloom-booster fertilizer, coupled with cooler nights, induces plants to set buds and flower.

Phalaenopsis can be cultivated beneath lights, then moved to natural light when the inflorescences begin to develop so they can lengthen naturally. Keep water out of the center of the plant to prevent rot.

For culture sheets on other orchids, or for information on becoming an AOS member go to the American Orchid Society's Web site.