Phalaenopsis is commonly known as Moon Orchid or Moth Orchid.

It is native to Australia, Indonesia and surrounding islands.

Major Phalaenopsis growing countries in the world are Netherlands, Germany, China, Taiwan, United States and Japan.

Major Phalaenopsis growing areas in India are Nilgiri and Tamil Nadu.

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class:   Liliopsida
• Order: Orchidales
• Family: Orchidaceae
• Genus: Phalaenopsis
• Species: amabilis

Flowers are the most economically important part of  Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis are typically cultivated in warm temperature.

Phalaenopsis requires high humidity (60-70%) and low light of 12,000 to 20,000 lux. 

It requires a temperature of 20˚C-35˚C.

Phalaenopsis plants can be potted in bark, perlite, sphagnum moss or a combination of these.  

Potting is usually done every 1-3 years, except plants in sphagnum moss should be re-potted every year.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes: 
  
  • Major Pests: Scale Insects, Mealy Bugs, Green Fly, Thrips and Red spider.
    
  • Major Diseases: Brown Spot, Soft Rot, Anthracnose, Botrytis Rot and Bacterial Brown Spot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Chlorosis