The Phalaenopsis orchid also known as phal orchid or moth orchid is one of the most commonly grown indoor orchids sold and is the most commonly found orchid type found in garden centers and nurseries.

Their popularity is due to their ability to thrive in average home temperatures and conditions. Because of the recent popularity of moth orchids, they have also become a favorite replacing lilies for bridal bouquets. This is because the purity of their white flowers are unmatched by other flower types and because the increase in supply has brought the cost within reason.

The name Phalaenopsis is rooted in the Greek language. In Greek phlainia means moth and opsis means looks like. It was named this obviously because the flowers resemble moths. This genus was established by C.L Blume in 1825.

Phal orchids are monopdial plants. Monopodial means one footed. A monopodial orchid will grow as a single stem and each new growth will originate from the top of the plant. The length a monopodial orchid stem can grow is unlimited and they do not have pseudo bulbs. Phal orchid leaves alternate in opposite direction from each other. Phal orchids are closely related to Vandaceous orchids and can readily be hybridized with members of the Vandaceous alliance.

The Phalaenopsis genus has about 50 species. The genus is found from Northern Australia, throughout India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. There are also about 50 man made hybrid genera that have been made from the Phalaenopsis genus.

The Phalaenopsis species are either epiphytic of lithophytic and are generally found from sea level to 1000 feet above sea level. Epiphytic means they grow on plants usually trees and lithophytic means they grow on rocks. The plant however is not parasitic to the trees or rocks they are attached to.

Most Phalaenopsis and their hybrids can be forced to re-bloom and there by the flowering can last as long as three months.

For light, a bright window with very little or no direct sunlight will work fine. During winter months in the North where most days are overcast it may be necessary to place in a window with a full northern exposure.

Artificial lighting will also work well with Phalaenopsis orchids. Phalaenopsis orchids require 12 to 16 hours a day the same as the natural length of the day. So when using artificial lighting you will need to follow the same hours of daylight. For best results, use a florescent light fixture with four bulbs hung about 12 inches above the leaves of the plant. Between 1000 and 1500 foot candles of light is recommended. If grown in a greenhouse the plant will need to have about 80% shade. A good rule to follow is to hold your hand 12 inches above the leaves and no shadow should be seen.

When lighting is correct foliage should appear yellow green in color. Dark green indicates the plant is not getting sufficient light. The leaves of a plant that is not getting enough light will also grow narrower than the leaf just below it. Avoid direct sunlight it will burn the Phalaenopsis orchid, so never leave in direct sunlight for more than a few minutes.