Phalaenopsis, commonly called moth orchids, are native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia and parts of Australia, but are widespread throughout the world as they are among the most popular and easiest orchids to grow indoors. Their name comes from the Greek phalaina (moth) and opsis (appearance), because their flowers resemble fluttering moths in flight.
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These types of orchids tend to be either Epiphytic (grow on trees) or lithophytic (grow on rocks).
The leaves are generally broad, leathery and dark green. The flowers are often long-lasting, up to 3 months, and can be in shades of white, pink, purple, yellow, and speckled combinations.
They usually bloom in late winter to spring, though hybrids may bloom multiple times a year. Hybrid varieties are very popular throughout the world as indoor plants which can make precise identification quite difficult.
If you are thinking about growing any of these yourself, then here are apparently the requirements for success. With my record of growing almost anything unsuccessfully, even cacti not requiring (much) attention, I shall probably not be one of them.
| Light | Bright, indirect light (east-facing window ideal) |
| Temperature | 20–30°C (day), 16–20°C (night) |
| Humidity | 50–70% |
| Watering | Once a week; let medium dry slightly between watering |
| Potting medium | Bark, sphagnum moss, or orchid mix for aeration |
| Fertilizer | Weakly, weekly (orchid fertilizer diluted to ¼ strength) |