The Crimson Moth in Bloom

The rich crimson explodes from the lip of this Phalaenopsis Blume, splattering across it’s wing shaped sepals and petals. This graceful flora is commonly referred to as a moth orchid, with it’s delicate blooms resembling a moth in flight.

Though the moth orchid may be exquisite and have an air of fragility it is in reality a low maintenance houseplant and quite accessible. Two ice cubes once a week, a warm environment, and low light is all that is needed to keep it healthy and bloomed from early summer into fall. For the beginner plant parent the Phalaenopsis makes a great starter orchid due to it’s hardy nature and easy care. Though they will adapt to the average household conditions orchids do prefer higher humidity, perfect for a bathroom with indirect natural lighting.

This is the most recent addition to my personal orchid collection. I dream of a room filled with orchids of all varieties, shapes, colors, and sizes. I currently have 3 other orchids, two of which are currently dormant. The most exciting part is after dormancy when you see small buds beginning to form from the nodes and build the anticipation for the explosion of blooms to come. It seems to be a fast process as you can wait months for it to occur and in small time the tiny buds grow and fill the inflorescence with bright ornamentation.

The Crimson Moth in Bloom ( A World Without Color)

I hope you have enjoyed a closer look at the moth orchid, and if you have yet to explore the joy of tending to one that this will inspire you to give it a try!

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Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalaenopsis
http://www.orchidcarelady.com/growing-orchids-anatomy-terms/