Moon orchid (moth orchid) Phalaenopsis amabilis
Moon orchid (moth orchid) (Phalaenopsis amabilis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to Malesia to northern Queensland (lowland and hill forest, on tree trunks). It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Moon orchid (moth orchid) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Moon orchid (moth orchid) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Malesia to northern Queensland (lowland and hill forest, on tree trunks) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
Is Moon orchid (moth orchid) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Phalaenopsis is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Moon orchid (moth orchid)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
See Moon orchid (moth orchid) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (10 plants)
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (6 plants)
- China National Botanical Garden (8 plants)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (8 plants)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (12 plants)
- Monet’s gardens at Giverny (6 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (8 plants)
- Na ʻĀina Kai Botanical Gardens (12 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (10 plants)
Questions about Moon orchid (moth orchid)
- How far apart should I plant Moon orchid (moth orchid)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Moon orchid (moth orchid) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Moon orchid (moth orchid) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Moon orchid (moth orchid)?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Moon orchid (moth orchid) flower?
- From about October for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Moon orchid (moth orchid) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Phalaenopsis is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Moon orchid (moth orchid)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Moon orchid (moth orchid). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: Rainforest, National Orchid Garden, Ginger Garden, Learning Forest, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical lowland plant: outdoors only where it never frosts (as in Singapore); elsewhere it needs a heated glasshouse.
- Epiphyte: grows on branches in nature; in a garden it is tied onto trees, tree-fern trunks or rock, or grown in very open bark mix.
- Broad leathery leaves and arching sprays of flat white flowers; one of Indonesia's national flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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