Care & Culture Blog

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are one of the most popular orchid varieties due to their beautiful flowers and ease of care. With the right conditions and attention to detail, you can enjoy these stunning plants for years to come.

Important: Before reading this guide, ensure your orchid is a Phalaenopsis subsection Phalaenopsis and NOT Phalaenopsis subsection polychilos orchid as they have different cultural requirements. 

Polychilos are tropical Phalaenopsis, very different from your everyday moth orchid. They’re part of a unique breeding line, and when purchased from a registered nursery, their genetic lineage can be traced. If you’re unsure whether you have one, look for their telltale traits: a short stem, 2–3 blooms, and a star-shaped flower known as the ‘Summer Star’ Phalaenopsis—true to its name, it blossoms in the summer!

Many beginner orchid growers have no trouble loving their plants—the real challenge is getting them to bloom again. Once the flowers fade and the spikes are cut back, it becomes a waiting game. What most don’t realize is that reblooming isn’t a matter of luck. Orchids will flower again when they’re healthy and grown similar to the environmental cues they’d experience in nature!