How long do moth orchids last?
Commonly referred to as the moth orchid, Phalaenopsis are one of the longest blooming orchid genera, producing flowers that last from 2 to 6 months before dropping! Phalaenopsis have also been known to bloom 2 to 3 times per year once they have reached a mature size. Phalaenopsis (fail-eh-NOP-siss), the moth orchid, is perhaps the best orchid for growing in the home, and is also a favorite with greenhouse growers. Well-grown plants can flower often, sometimes with a few flowers throughout the year, though the main season is late winter into spring.The Problem: Most popular orchids like Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) need bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight burns their leaves. Conversely, too little light prevents blooming and leads to weak growth susceptible to disease.Most houseplant orchids like bright light, but not direct sun, such as on a north- or east-facing windowsill. They like regular watering and misting, preferably with rainwater or boiled water rather than tap water. Many need to be grown in bark-based orchid compost, rather than traditional houseplant compost.There are exceptions, but the natural orchid growth cycle usually sees leaf growth in summer and early autumn, a flower spike late autumn to early winter, then all going well, flowering in winter and spring. It takes on average 2 to 3 months from new growth appearing to a fully developed flower spike, ready to bloom.Phalaenopsis orchids typically live 15 to 20 years, and bloom twice a year for two to three months at a time. Where is the best spot to place a Phalaenopsis orchid? Choose a window with bright, indirect light for a Phalaenopsis orchid; a south- or east-facing window usually works best.
Where is the best place for a moth orchid?
If you are hoping to place your orchid on a windowsill, an east or west-facing window is ideal, or even simply putting a sheer curtain in front of it to diffuse the light will help your moth orchid thrive. Moth orchids also love warmth. Ideal sites are east- and north-facing windows. Plants in a south window may need to be shaded with a sheer curtain. Often when moth orchids receive too much light, their leaves develop a reddish color. Phalaenopsis orchids will not grow or flower well in poorly lit areas.Moth orchids grow best in bright, indirect light. Direct sun may actually harm the foliage. Ideal sites are east- and north-facing windows. Plants in a south window will need to be shaded with a sheer curtain.Most orchids need bright but indirect light, as too much sunlight can scorch the leaves. Keep them on an east- or west-facing windowsill from spring to autumn, but move your orchid to a south-facing windowsill for the winter months, when light levels are lower.Provide cool nights. Most orchids thrive best when there is a marked drop in temperature at night, usually about 10 to 15 degrees F. Phalaenopsis are more forgiving in this respect, but a reluctant plant can usually be coaxed into bloom more easily if it’s grown where nights are cool.
What does an overwatered moth orchid look like?
You see yellow or brown roots OR hollow and flat roots This is usually a sign of too much watering. Be careful that you are watering in the right schedule for your orchid (about once a week), and that there is no remaining water sitting at the bottom of the pot. The colour of the roots is the best indication for determining whether your orchid has sufficient moisture. If the roots are a healthy green colour, your orchid is sufficiently watered and doesn’t need any more water at this time. If the roots are greyish-white, your orchid isn’t receiving enough water.Orchids like to be snug in their pot and the ratio of roots to potting mix should be about equal. If an orchid is put into a pot that is too big for it, then there are not enough roots to take up the moisture that is being held by the potting mix and the mix stays wet too long.It is vitally important that your orchid is getting the correct amount of sunlight. If it does not, it cannot make enough carbohydrates to perform normal plant maintenance activities, such as growth, and to bloom.A natural orchid cycle typically sees leaf growth in summer and early fall, a bloom spike in late fall or early winter, and then blooming in early spring.
How to make moth orchid bloom?
Provide cool nights. Most orchids thrive best when there is a marked drop in temperature at night, usually about 10 to 15 degrees F. Phalaenopsis are more forgiving in this respect, but a reluctant plant can usually be coaxed into bloom more easily if it’s grown where nights are cool. However, I was able to keep my orchid alive for over two years using the ice cube method of watering. It entailed putting two large ice cubes, give or take, once a week into the pot. Similarly, I’ve seen others recommend putting one ice cube into the pot two or three times per week instead.Never let the plant sit in water. Tepid water is preferred, and it is best to water early in the day so the foliage dries by nightfall. Keep in mind that far more orchids are killed from over-watering than being too dry. Cooler nights.The lifespan of an orchid will depend on many factors, including the type of orchid, their environment, the proper care provided and watering. If properly cared for, they can bloom twice a year for 15-20 years, and in the case of phalaenopsis orchids, their blooms typically last from two to three months.Why Ice Cubes Work Well for Orchids. Think of ice cubes as pre-measured irrigation for orchids. Using ice cubes reduces the likelihood of over or underwatering the plants. Overwatering or letting the pot sit in water will damage the roots, and underwatering damages the roots and the leaves and affects bloom production.
Are moth orchids rare?
They were Phalaenopsis orchids – commonly called moth orchids – and representative of the commoditization of what was once considered a rare and exotic beauty. Today, thanks to better understanding of production techniques and the power of mass marketing, they are another commodity that is available anywhere, anytime. Moth orchids are easy to look after and can continue growing – and flowering regularly – for many years with minimal maintenance. Just keep them warm, in good light, water regularly and re-pot every couple of years.Most houseplant orchids like bright light, but not direct sun, such as on a north- or east-facing windowsill. They like regular watering and misting, preferably with rainwater or boiled water rather than tap water. Many need to be grown in bark-based orchid compost, rather than traditional houseplant compost.Moth orchids like a bark medium that is kept evenly moist. Plants should be watered well and then allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Often moth orchids purchased from retailers are grown in coarse sphagnum moss. This material stays wetter longer than the traditional bar medium.Propagating Moth Orchids Use a sharp, sterile garden knife to cut the keiki from the stem. You can then plant the keiki, following our instructions for potting orchids. Many experts recommend growing the keiki in the same pot as its mother for the first year to help regulate moisture.