About
Phalaenopsis violacea, the violet moth orchid, is a small to medium-sized, evergreen, epiphytic orchid with three to four, elliptic leaves 20�25 cm long. In spring and summer, short, arching racemes bear up to seven star-shaped, waxy, richly violet-purple, yellow and white flowers with a purple-red lip in succession � powerfully fragrant. A beautiful and rewarding species orchid for a warm, bright, humid position.
About the genus
Phalaenopsis, the moth orchids, are a large genus of mainly epiphytic orchids with short rhizomes, oval, fleshy leaves and branched racemes of flat, moth-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours. Among the most popular of all houseplants and indoor orchids.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright, Pendulous weeping
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toMalaysia, Indonesia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open bark-based orchid compost or mounted on cork bark, where sufficient humidity can be provided. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct mid-day sunlight or heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 17°C at night and 20 - 25 °C during day. Mist aerial roots regularly and water the plant when almost dry - pale, silvery roots are a good indication when to water. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the season. See Phalaenopsis cultivation for more details
PruningNo pruning required. Cut back green flowered stem to lower node to encourage further flowering. Remove the flowered stems once yellow and dry
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Avoid watering centre of the leaf crown, to prevent bacterial rots