Flowering houseplant
Orchid
Phalaenopsis amabilis
Orchids (most commonly the moth orchid, Phalaenopsis) are epiphytic tropical plants that grow on trees in their native Southeast Asian rainforests rather than in soil. Indoors they produce long-lasting flower spikes that can bloom for months at a time. With the right watering rhythm and bright indirect light they rebloom year after year.
A tree-dweller in disguise, easier than its reputation suggests.
Quick care
At a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect; east-facing window ideal
- Water
- Soak once a week, let roots dry
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Temperature
- 18-27°C
- Potting mix
- Chunky orchid bark mix, never regular soil
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
- Mature size
- 30-60cm tall including flower spike
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Origin
- Tropical Southeast Asia
Where to start
The first things to learn
Care
Orchid care comes down to bright indirect light, a weekly soak-and-drain watering, and chunky orchid bark instead of soil. The biggest mistakes are overwatering and planting in regular potting mix, which suffocates the roots. Done right, a Phalaenopsis lives and reblooms for decades.
Light
Phalaenopsis orchids want bright, indirect light; an east-facing window is ideal. Direct afternoon sun burns the leaves; too little light prevents reblooming. Healthy leaves are medium green; dark green means more light is needed, red-tinted means too much.
Humidity
Phalaenopsis orchids prefer 50-70% humidity but tolerate average household levels. A bathroom with a bright window is a great home for them. Above 80% humidity without airflow, though, invites fungal problems.
Every topic
More about orchid
Fertilizer
8 articlesOrchids are light feeders. Use a balanced orchid-specific fertilizer at quarter to half strength: 'weakly, weekly' is the classic rule. Rotate to a bloom-booster (higher phosphorus) in late summer to encourage spike formation.
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Pests
6 articlesOrchids are relatively pest-resistant indoors, but mealybugs, scale, and spider mites occasionally show up. Wipe affected leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or spray with insecticidal soap. Cinnamon is a traditional remedy for cut or damaged tissue to prevent fungal infection.
Flowers
3 articlesA healthy Phalaenopsis bloom can last two to four months before the flowers drop, and that's normal, not a sign of failure. Flowers dropping early usually means temperature swings, underwatering, or ethylene exposure from nearby fruit. After blooming, the spike can be trimmed to encourage a rebloom.
Growing
4 articlesOrchids grow slowly but steadily. Expect 1-2 new leaves a year on a healthy Phalaenopsis. A drop of 5-8°C between day and night temperatures is what triggers new flower spikes. Patience is the single biggest requirement.
Leaves
5 articlesHealthy orchid leaves are firm, glossy, and medium green; limp or wrinkled leaves usually signal a root problem, not a leaf one. Yellowing on the lowest leaf is natural ageing; yellowing across multiple leaves points to overwatering or sunburn.
Indoor Care
4 articlesPhalaenopsis orchids do brilliantly indoors, and in fact that's how almost all of them are grown. Give them bright indirect light, room-temperature water on a weekly schedule, and average household humidity. Most household rooms suit them as long as the window is bright enough.
Dormancy
3 articlesAfter flowering, many orchids enter a rest period of 6-9 months where they put out new leaves and roots but no flowers. This isn't a problem; it's the plant building energy for the next bloom. Keep watering and feeding lightly during dormancy.
Other questions