How to Make Moth Orchids Bloom

Moth orchids, also called Phalaenopsis, are native to the tropical regions of Asia. They are epiphytic orchids, meaning they do not grow in the soil but instead cling to trees and get their moisture from the bark. While these are commonly grown as household orchids since their blooms last for up to two months they need special care in order to bloom. Like most orchids the moth orchid is fussy about water and temperature.

Orchid mix
Orchid fertilizer
Humidifier

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the moth orchid in an orchid mix made for epiphytic orchids. The mix should retain moisture well without getting soggy. Keep the mix moist at all times. Moth orchids don't store water so they need moist roots in order to bloom.
- 2
  Place the orchid in a brightly-lit area out of direct sunlight. A brightly-lit window will work. They need the proper amount of light to bloom.
- 3
  Keep the humidity around the moth orchid at 50 to 80 percent. Place a humidifier in the room with the orchid. This aids the plant's health causing it to bloom.
- 4
  Fertilize the moth orchid with an orchid fertilizer once a month while it is growing. Add 1 tsp. of the water soluble fertilizer to the potting mix before you water the orchid. This encourages bloom.
- 5
  Keep the orchid at temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and down to 60 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. In order to bloom the moth orchid needs about a month of cool nighttime temperatures, at least below 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

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