Photo: Moth orchid — Jay Pruett · CC BY 4.0. Photo resized from the original.
Plant guide
Moth orchid
Phalaenopsis
Light
A bright east- or west-facing window. Keep it out of direct sun in summer — it scorches the leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then again when the bark is nearly dry — but never bone dry. Water in the morning and keep water out of the centre of the leaves, where rot starts. Pot it only in orchid bark; ordinary compost kills it.
Air
Warm, not below 16 °C. Likes humid air: in hot weather stand the pot on a tray of damp gravel.
Toxic?
Cats: Not toxic · Dogs: Not toxic — More about pets
People: Not listed as poisonous.
This is normal
- Thick roots above the pot are aerial roots — they're meant to be there. Don't cut or bury them.
- Roots in a clear pot are green: they use light too.
- Now and then an old lower leaf yellows and dies off.
Watch out for
Root rotMealybugScale insect
How often for your pot?Days and millilitres for your pot — counted like in the app.
Count it →Sources: RHS · American Orchid Society · NC State Extension · ASPCA. Every line is checked against two of them.