Spotlight: Moth Orchid

During the cold winter months, it is so nice to have flowers growing in the house. Orchids are becoming a popular choice, as the natural bloom time for many species is in winter and spring. They bloom for long periods of time and may not be as difficult to grow as you think.

The Western North Carolina Orchid Society’s annual show at the NC Arboretum is in March when so many varieties are in peak bloom. Probably the easiest orchid to grow in most homes is the Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid.

They require about the same conditions as African violets. The most common flower colors are white and shades of violet and pink. A bloom spike will usually last for 2 months, sometimes longer.

Since their natural habitat is the tropical rainforest, they will grow best with warm temperatures and high humidity. Normal household temperatures are fine. In fall and winter cool night time temperatures, around 55 to 60 degrees, will help induce flowering.

The best way to keep humidity around the plant is to place the pot in ridged saucer or tray that allows you to keep water under the plant without the pot standing in water.

Phalaenopsis need little direct sunlight. Provide an east window or a south or west window shaded with shear curtains or tilted mini-blinds.

Because these orchids are epiphytes, which grow up in trees, not in the ground, they are most often grown in a special orchid potting media that is composed of fir bark and peat moss. When grown in this very well drained media they will require frequent watering. Provide a weak fertilizer solution regularly for healthy growth. Several brands of orchid fertilizer are readily available.

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.