Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)

Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, are the orchids you see everywhere, and for good reason: their flowers last for months and they're easier than their reputation. The trick is remembering they aren't like other houseplants. In nature they grow on trees, with their roots in the open air, so they want an airy mix of bark or moss instead of soil, a good soak instead of a little splash, and a bit of patience between blooms. They're safe for cats and dogs, too.

Light + placement

Medium to bright, indirect light: an east window is ideal, or set back from a south or west window. Healthy leaves are a medium olive green. Dark green leaves mean it wants more light; yellowish or red-tinged leaves mean too much sun. Hot afternoon sun through glass can burn the leaves in an afternoon.

Watering

Water when the mix is nearly dry and the roots inside the pot have turned from green to silvery. How often depends on what it's growing in: bark dries out fastest (often every 7–10 days), moss holds water much longer, and a blend sits in between. Water a little less often in winter.

To water, run lukewarm water through the pot for a minute (or soak the pot in a bowl for 10–15 minutes), then let it drain completely. Never leave it sitting in water.

• Silvery roots and light pot: time to water.
• Green roots and heavy pot: wait.
• Keep water out of the crown (where the leaves meet). If some gets in, tip the plant or dab it dry with a paper towel.
• Aerial roots growing out of the pot are normal. Leave them be.

Soil + repotting

Phalaenopsis do well in bark, in sphagnum moss, or in a blend of the two. Never use regular potting soil; it stays too wet and the roots rot. The right choice mostly comes down to how often you like to water:

Bark (like our bark) is the airiest and dries out fastest. It suits people who like to water often or tend to overwater. Sphagnum moss holds water the longest, so it suits people who water less often, or drier homes. A bark + moss blend sits in the middle and is what we suggest most often. Clear plastic orchid pots make it easy to check the roots, whatever you choose.

Repot every 1–2 years, after it finishes blooming, or when the mix breaks down and smells earthy (moss breaks down faster than bark). Trim any brown, mushy roots; keep the firm green and silver ones. A dose of Southside Root Drops afterwards helps the roots settle in.

Feeding + upkeep

Feeding: We feed orchids with Southside Orchid Grow + Bloom, two gentle sprays made for orchids. Use Grow while your orchid is resting between blooms and putting out new leaves and roots, and Bloom once a flower spike appears and while it's flowering. You can also stagger the two or use both year-round; they're gentle enough that you won't over-feed. Spray the leaves and the exposed roots, and follow the directions on the bottle. If your orchid is growing, even in winter, keep feeding.

Orchids grow in bark or moss, not soil, so skip Kelpy, worm castings and granular food for these ones.

Wipe the leaves now and then with a damp cloth. Stake a new flower spike as it grows so the blooms arch nicely; use soft ties or clips.

Getting it to bloom again

Once the last flower drops, you have two choices. If the spike is still green, cut it just above the second node (a small bump) below where the flowers were, and it may send out a new branch of flowers in a couple of months. If the spike has turned brown, cut it off at the base and let the plant rest.

During the rest, the plant grows new leaves and roots. Keep feeding with Southside Grow, give it good light, and let it have those cooler fall nights. A new spike usually appears within a few months; it looks like a root but has a mitten-shaped tip and grows upward.

Common problems

Varieties we carry

We carry Phalaenopsis in a range of colours, sometimes in a decorative pot ready to gift. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.

Phalaenopsis Orchid from $34.99 ● In stock

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Frequently asked questions

Phalaenopsis Orchid care kit

• Sphagnum Moss: For moss poles and rooting cuttings.
• Bark: Mix in for extra drainage and air around the roots.
• Southside Root Drops: Helps roots settle in after repotting.
• Houseplant Spray: For spider mites, mealybugs and other pests.
• Southside Orchid Grow + Bloom: Two gentle sprays: Grow for leaves and roots, Bloom for flowers.

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