 | The moth orchid is the easiest orchid species to grow indoors. The flowers are long-lasting and these beautiful orchids make a beautiful display in any room of your house.
Moth orchids can be easily grown on a windowsill. Each stem is laden with a dozen blooms that last between one and three months, sometimes longer. They reach their peak between December and March and bring a magnificent splash of color into you home during the long, dull days of winter. If you’d like to extend the blooming time into the early summer, be sure to grow some of the late blooming hybrids. The easiest to grow are the crosses of Doritaenopsis and Phalaenopsis.
Price
At one time moth orchids were very expensive. Today, a four inch pot of moth orchids with buds already formed runs between $25 and $40. If you care for the plants properly, they will most likely outlive you. Some moth orchids can live 50 years plus if tended with special and loving care.
Light
Moth orchids can be grown on a windowsill in indirect light. Windows facing east are best. West or north windows can work if you hang a sheer curtain in order to give your plants filtered light.
If you live in a very cold climate, you may have to place orchids in a southern window during the winter. This will provide them with more light, because more natural light comes to the northern hemisphere from the south during winter.
Many times artificial light is best for growing moth orchids. Use a four bulb florescent valance and add two “cool” bulbs and two “warm” bulbs. You may alternate wide spectrum lights, which are made specifically for growing plants with the two “cool” lights.
The light fixture should be positioned approximately one foot (30 centimeters) above the leaves of your plants. Leave the lights on for at least ten hours a day and to a maximum of sixteen hours. Moth orchids grow exceptionally well in this type of lighting.
Leaves
Watch the leaves of moth orchids in order to determine if lighting is right. If new leaves are dark in color and soft and lush compared to the mature leaves, your orchids are not getting enough light and the plants will not produce flowers. On the other hand, if leaves are hard, yellow and growth is stunted, the plant is getting too much light. Adjust lighting until the new leaves look much the same as the more mature leaves.
Proper Temperature
Throughout the day orchids need to be in a warm environment. 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. At night orchids prefer a temperature of approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures are too hot, moth orchids need a lot of air movement and a high amount of humidity. If you wish to produce flower spikes, night temperatures should be lowered to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
When buds are developing on moth orchids, be sure not to allow temperature to fluctuate. If you do, buds will drop off the plants just when they’re ready to open. You will be greatly disappointed if this occurs.
Provide Good Ventilation
It is necessary to maintain good ventilation in order for moth orchids to thrive. Cross ventilation works very well. Be sure that your orchid plants are kept out of cold drafts if you wish them to remain in optimum health. Moth orchids dislike cold and drafts.
Humidity
To assure your moth orchids flourish keep humidity between 55 and 80 percent. If you wish to create more humidity for your plants, fill a glass tray with tiny rocks or pebbles and pour a bit of water in the tray. Set the plants on the stones, being certain that the pot is not touching the water. If conditions are very dry, mist moth orchid plants early in the morning. This will ensure that the plant’s leaves are dry by nightfall.
Watering
The roots of moth orchids should never be overly wet. Place bark around the roots and be sure it is always damp. If you over-water the roots, they will rot, causing the plant to die.
The climate which you live in has a lot to do with watering. Damp but not wet is the rule of thumb. The best time to water moth orchids is in the early morning. If the leaves of moth orchid plants are dry by nightfall, they will be less prone to disease. If leaves are still wet at 6 pm, use a cotton ball to absorb all excess moisture.
Fertilizer
Moth orchids need to be fertilized often. In summer, use a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 every two weeks; in cooler weather every four weeks.
Potting
Use ½ to 5/8 inch fir bark for potting moth orchids. The orchids should be re-potted every two years or when the fir bark begins to disintegrate. Re-pot in the spring for best results, after the plant has bloomed and when new roots are beginning to develop.
If you would like to know more about moth orchids, visit a local orchid growing operation or contact the American Orchid Society.
|  |
|
