Garden Care Guide

Moth Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis

One of the most popular indoor orchids, known for its long-lasting, elegant flowers. It is planted not in soil but in airy special orchid mixes such as bark. It likes bright places without direct sun (indirect light); the biggest risk is overwatering, which rots its roots.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 12 °C / 54 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Cut back greatly. When the potting mix has dried out completely and the roots have turned silvery-gray (about every 2-4 weeks), water by soaking or rinse with plenty of water.
  • Fertilizing: Not necessary (if it is in bloom or dormant).
  • General care: Enjoy the flowers. Keep it away from radiators and cold drafts. Use a humidity tray to increase humidity.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves and the joints for mealybugs (Pseudococcidae).
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 12 °C.
February
  • Watering: Continue watering when the potting mix has dried out completely (about every 2-3 weeks).
  • Pruning: If the flowers have completely dropped, cut the flower stalk above the third node from the bottom or all the way to the base.
  • General care: Flowering generally continues.
  • Pests & diseases: Root rot is the biggest risk; before watering, check the color of the roots (they should be silvery).
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 12 °C.
March
  • Watering: Increase watering as growth begins, as the potting mix dries (approximately every 10-14 days).
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: Cut off spent flower stalks.
  • General care: If the potting mix has broken down (usually every 1-2 years), after flowering is the best time for repotting.
  • Pests & diseases: When repotting, cut off rotted, hollow or black roots.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 12 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, at half the label dose.
  • General care: The active growth period for new leaves and roots. Protect from direct sun.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for scale insects (Coccoidea).
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk. Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy soil that holds water, plant it on a raised mound or berm 20-30 cm high so that the root collar stays above the surrounding soil level.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • General care: Keep it in a place with adequate airflow.
  • Pests & diseases: Take care that sunburn (yellowing, collapse) does not develop on the leaves.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, at half the label dose.
  • General care: Growth slows.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, apply an orchid fertilizer that promotes flowering (high P-K), diluted to a quarter dose.
  • General care: To encourage new flower stalk formation, create a temperature difference between night and day (for example, place it at a cool window at night).
  • Pests & diseases: Check the leaf junctions and the roots for mealybugs (Pseudococcidae).
  • Frost risk: Keep the plant away from open windows and doors that may get cold at night.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: From the end of the month, stop feeding.
  • General care: If a new flower stalk begins to lengthen, support it with a stake so that it stays upright.
  • Frost risk: Watch for cold drafts.
November
  • Watering: Cut back greatly; water when the potting mix has dried out completely (about every 2-4 weeks).
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Pests & diseases: Bud drop can be caused by sudden temperature change, drafts, or thirst.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 12 °C.
December
  • Watering: Cut back greatly; water when the potting mix has dried out completely (about every 2-4 weeks).
  • General care: The buds mature and the first flowers may begin to open. Try not to move it.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 12 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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