Moth Orchid Care Instructions

Plant moth orchids in clay pots designed for orchids with vertical drainage holes on the sides. Fill it with orchid potting mix made mostly of bark. Do not use general potting soil.

Grow moth orchids where the day temperature ranges from 75 to 80 degrees F. Drop the thermostat to 65 degrees F at night.

Place the moth orchid by a window that lets in bright indirect sunlight. Alternatively, set the plant under a twin-light fixture holding two cool-white 40-watt fluorescent tubes. Position the lamp 6 to 12 inches above the plant and keep it on for at least 12 hours a day and a maximum of 16 hours.

Irrigate moth orchids whenever the soil is almost, but not completely, dry. Pour water directly into the soil until excess flows out of the drainage holes. Keep foliage and stems dry.

Fertilize non-hybrid moth orchids every time you water the plant in the growing season. Decrease feeding frequency to every other watering when the orchid goes into rest. Dilute 1/4-tsp. water-soluble balanced fertilizer, such as a 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 formula, in 1 gallon water to irrigate the non-hybrid moth orchid. Water hybrid moth orchids year-round with diluted fertilizer. Dissolve 3/4 tsp. of a balanced formula in 1 gallon water. Once a month, irrigate hybrids with plain water to wash accumulated fertilizer salts off the potting mix.

Raise the air moisture in the room the moth orchid is in with a humidifier. Provide air circulation with a fan set on low or by opening a window. Aeration reduces the risk of fungal disease.