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Moon Orchid
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Moon Orchid

Phalaenopsis amabilis

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameMoon Orchid
DescriptionElegant epiphytic orchid with graceful arching sprays of pristine white moth-like flowers. Flat, rounded blooms with yellow and red markings in center resemble moths in flight. Each spray carries 10-20 long-lasting flowers that can bloom for months. Broad, leathery leaves grow from short stem with exposed silvery-green aerial roots. Native to Southeast Asian rainforests where it grows on tree branches. One of easiest orchids for beginners, thriving indoors with minimal care. National flower of Indonesia. Popular as houseplant and gift orchid worldwide for its elegant, long-lasting blooms.
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusPhalaenopsis
TribeVandeae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr % ⚥ P3+3 A1 G(3)

Ebracteate, zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), bisexual, perianth of 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (3 sepals + 3 petals, one petal modified into lip/labellum), 1 stamen fused with style forming column (gynostemium), 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary. Highly specialized orchid structure with resupinate flowers (twisted 180°)

Features
  • Name 'Phalaenopsis' from Greek 'phalaina' (moth) and 'opsis' (appearance) for moth-like flowers. 'Amabilis' means lovely or lovable in Latin. Called Moon Orchid for white flowers blooming at night. National flower of Indonesia. About 60 Phalaenopsis species. Among most popular orchids worldwide for ease of care
  • Flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, flat and rounded like moth wings. Pure white with yellow and red-orange markings in lip (center). Waxy, long-lasting texture. Arranged on arching sprays (inflorescences) 1-3 feet long. Each spray has 10-20 flowers opening sequentially. Individual flowers last 2-3 months. Can bloom twice yearly. Sweet, subtle fragrance
  • Epiphytic orchid (grows on trees, not in soil). Monopodial growth - single stem producing leaves from top. 3-7 broad, leathery, dark green leaves 8-12 inches long. Thick, fleshy aerial roots covered in silvery velamen (spongy tissue) absorb moisture and nutrients from air. No pseudobulbs. Slow-growing, compact plant
  • Plant height 6-12 inches (15-30 cm), flower sprays add 1-3 feet. Spread 8-15 inches. Lifespan of 10-20+ years with proper care, some specimens over 50 years. Propagated from keikis (baby plants on flower spikes) or tissue culture. Blooms year-round in ideal conditions, typically spring and fall
  • Native to Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, northern Australia, and tropical islands of Southeast Asia. Grows wild on tree branches in humid lowland and montane rainforests. Found from sea level to 2,000 feet elevation. Thrives in warm, humid, shaded forest understory
  • Requires bright indirect light (no direct sun - burns leaves). Thrives in warm temperatures 65-80°F (18-27°C), tolerates 60-85°F. Needs high humidity 50-80%. Water when potting mix nearly dry (typically weekly). Grow in orchid bark mix, NOT soil. Good air circulation essential. Fertilize weakly weekly during growth. Hardy zones 10-12 outdoors, grown indoors elsewhere
  • One of easiest orchids for beginners - adapts well to home conditions. Excellent houseplant for low to medium light. Long-lasting flowers make popular gift orchid. Used in wedding bouquets and corsages. Widely available from florists and garden centers. Flowers last months on plant or 2-3 weeks when cut
  • Important in Southeast Asian culture and ceremonies. National flower of Indonesia, symbolizing beauty and refinement. Attracts moths for pollination in wild. Easy to rebloom - cut spike above node after flowering. Can produce keikis (baby plants) on old flower spikes. Symbolizes love, beauty, and luxury in flower language

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificPhalaenopsis amabilis
English (Alternate)Moth Orchid, Lovely Phalaenopsis, Mariposa Orchid, White Moth Orchid
Hindiमून ऑर्किड (Moon Orchid), पतंगा ऑर्किड (Patanga Orchid), सफेद ऑर्किड (Safed Orchid)
Tamilசந்திர ஆர்க்கிட் (Chandra Orchid), அந்துப்பூச்சி ஆர்க்கிட் (Anthuppoochi Orchid)
Teluguచంద్ర ఆర్కిడ్ (Chandra Orchid), చిలుక పువ్వు (Chiluka Puvvu), తెల్ల ఆర్కిడ్ (Tella Orchid)
Malayalamചന്ദ്ര ഓർക്കിഡ് (Chandra Orchid), ശലഭപ്പൂവ് (Shalabhappuvu), ഫലനോപ്സിസ് (Phalaenopsis)
Kannadaಚಂದ್ರ ಆರ್ಕಿಡ್ (Chandra Orchid), ಚಿಟ್ಟೆ ಹೂವು (Chitte Hoovu)
Sanskritचन्द्रपुष्पम् (Chandrapushpam), शलभपुष्प (Shalabhapushpa), श्वेतपुष्प (Shvetapushpa)
Bengaliচাঁদ অর্কিড (Chand Orchid), মথ অর্কিড (Moth Orchid), সাদা অর্কিড (Shada Orchid)
FrenchOrchidée lune, Orchidée papillon, Phalaenopsis
RussianЛунная орхидея (Lunnaya orkideya), Фаленопсис (Falenopsis), Орхидея-мотылёк (Orkhideya-motylyok)
SpanishOrquídea luna, Orquídea mariposa, Orquídea polilla
GermanMondorchidee, Schmetterlingsorchidee, Malaienblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.