January 23, 2026

Orchid Care: Phalaenopsis

how to grow

phalaenopsis orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids or waterfall orchids, are one of the easiest orchids to grow as houseplants. They tolerate lower light conditions and produce long-lasting blooms that can brighten up a room at almost any time of year. In this guide, you’ll learn how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids, including light, water, fertilizing, and tips to encourage reblooming.

download full Orchid Care guide

orchid care guide

quick tips

Light | Bright indirect light from an eastern or western window is ideal for these orchids to bloom their best. Fourteen hours of artificial fluorescent light will also work.

Water | Keep soil evenly moist to slightly dry. They will require more frequent watering when in bloom, but don’t let them sit in water — they don’t like wet feet.

Humidity | Orchids prefer higher humidity (around 60-70%). Spray mist their foliage in between waterings (avoid spraying blooms) to increase humidity.

feeding orchids

how and when

When your orchid is not in bloom, fertilize weekly, weakly with a balanced liquid plant food, using a ¼ strength dilution or use a specifically formulated orchid food following the package instructions. Apply the fertilizer to the soil with your regular watering schedule. Fertilizing while the orchid is blooming is fine, but not necessary.

orchid repotting

and pruning tips

Repotting | It is healthy for a Phalaenopsis to be root bound, with some of the “air” roots sticking out of the soil. Repot as needed once every one to two years in early spring after a bloom cycle completes. Replant with the same type of soil already present. Not sure what type of soil you currently have? Ask our gardening experts and any of our 10 Petitti Garden Center locations, and we’d be happy to help you choose the proper growing medium.

Pruning | After all flowers have finished blooming, try pruning the stem to just above the first flower node (about the midway point of the stem). This may encourage the stem to branch and produce another round of blooms. If the stem does not branch and begins to yellow and died back, cut it down, leaving two nodes above the foliage.

Phalaenopsis spp.

Orchid Care

Orchid Care Gardening Guide Icon

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) are one of the easiest and rewarding orchid families to grow in Northeast Ohio. Read more about their care and access our printable guide below.

download the Orchid Care guide

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