Moon Orchid
Phalaenopsis amabilis
The classic moth orchid — long-lasting blooms and a forgiving constitution make this the perfect first orchid.
Water weekly when potting medium feels dry
Low to medium indirect light, no direct sun
Diluted balanced fertilizer monthly
65-80°F
50-70%
Southeast Asia
About Moon Orchid
Care guide
Coarse bark mix in a clear plastic pot so the roots see light. Avoid sphagnum-only mixes unless you let them dry between waterings.
Every 18–24 months, or when bark breaks down to soft mulch. Best done right after the bloom spike finishes.
Late winter through spring; many modern hybrids rebloom multiple times per year.
Individual flowers last 2–3 months; a full spike can stay in bloom up to 4 months.
Monopodial — a single upright stem producing 1–2 new leaves per year.
Keiki (baby plant) on old flower spikes; separate once it has 3+ roots over 2 inches.
Mealybugs in leaf joints, scale on undersides of leaves. Wipe with 70% isopropyl on a cotton swab.
- ●Wrinkled leaves → underwatered or root damage
- ●Yellow lower leaf → normal aging if just one; widespread is overwatering
- ●Limp roots → rot from sitting wet; repot in fresh dry bark immediately
- ★A 10°F night-time drop in autumn triggers a bloom spike.
- ★Don't cut the green spike after flowers drop — it often branches and reblooms.
