Commonly known as:Â Micro Orchid |Â Miniature Phalaenopsis Orchid | Micro Phalaenopsis | Moth Orchid
Botanical name: Phalaenopsis
Our Micro Orchids are proper little Phalaenopsis plants, producing the same long-lasting flowers as their larger relatives but on a much smaller plant.
They stand approximately 25cm tall, are supplied in 5cm clear plastic growing pots and have a single flowering stem. Even the flowers are noticeably smaller, making these quite different from simply buying a young standard Phalaenopsis.
Flowering can continue for several months, particularly when the plant is kept in good light and correctly watered. Flower colours vary with each batch and can include shades of pink, purple, white and other combinations.
Phalaenopsis are epiphytic orchids. In nature, they don’t grow with their roots buried in soil. They attach themselves to trees, where their roots receive light, moisture and plenty of air. That’s why healthy Phalaenopsis roots are so different from the roots of most indoor plants.
Â
Micro Orchid Care Guide
Watering – How often should I water a Micro Orchid?
Allow the Orchid to dry between waterings. Once the roots have changed from green towards silvery-grey and the growing medium has dried, give the plant a thorough watering.
Because Micro Orchids grow in tiny 5cm pots, they’ll generally need checking more frequently than larger Phalaenopsis. There’s simply much less growing medium available to retain moisture.
Always allow water to drain freely afterwards and never leave the pot permanently standing in water.
Light – How much light does a Micro Orchid need?
Give it plenty of bright, indirect natural light. Gentle morning sun is beneficial, but protect the foliage from strong midday and afternoon sun.
Good light becomes particularly important after flowering when the Orchid switches its energy back towards producing roots and leaves.
Cover Pots – Can I keep my Orchid in a ceramic pot?
You can use a decorative cover pot while the Orchid is flowering, provided excess water is never allowed to collect inside it.
However, don’t leave the Orchid hidden inside an opaque cover pot permanently. After flowering, allow it to spend most of its time in the clear growing pot so that the root system receives light.
If the roots begin losing their green colour and becoming persistently white or grey despite being hydrated, check how much light is reaching them.
Dehydration – What should I do if the roots are grey and wrinkled?
If the roots have become noticeably wrinkled and grey, the Orchid is significantly dehydrated.
Submerge the pot and root system in water for up to 24 hours to allow the roots and growing medium to rehydrate properly. Afterwards, remove it from the water and allow it to drain thoroughly.
Healthy hydrated roots should gradually regain a thicker, firmer appearance.
Wrinkled Leaves – What should I do if the Orchid’s leaves are wrinkling?
Wrinkled or heavily dehydrated leaves indicate that the plant has gone considerably further than simply needing its normal watering.
For severe dehydration, submerge the entire plant – pot, roots, base and leaves – in water for up to 24 hours, adding magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) to the soaking water. Afterwards, remove the Orchid, allow all excess water to drain and make sure water isn’t left trapped around the crown.
This is a recovery treatment for a severely dehydrated Orchid rather than a routine watering method.
Repotting – What should I use to repot my Phalaenopsis?
Never use ordinary potting soil, compost or another dense growing medium.
I recommend our Orchid Mix, which is specifically formulated for Phalaenopsis and provides the balance of moisture retention and airflow their epiphytic roots require.
Be careful with generic commercially packaged “orchid mixes”. Many consist predominantly of large bark pieces. Bark provides excellent airflow, but on its own it retains very little moisture, which can make maintaining adequate hydration considerably more difficult, particularly with a Micro Orchid in a 5cm pot.
Feeding – Should I fertilise my Micro Orchid?
Yes. Regular feeding is particularly useful after flowering when the plant is actively producing new roots and leaves. A healthy root system and strong vegetative growth give the plant the reserves it needs for its next flowering cycle.
One of the best options is to use our Controlled Release Fertilizer which will keep plenty nurtrients flowing months.
Avoid allowing concentrated fertiliser salts to accumulate around the roots. Periodically flush the growing medium thoroughly with clean water.
After Flowering – What should I do with the flower stem?
Phalaenopsis flowers can remain on the plant for several months. Once flowering has finished, you have two options.
The simplest is to cut the old flower stem approximately 2–3cm above its base. The plant can then concentrate on producing fresh roots and leaves before eventually developing another flower spike.
Alternatively, you can experiment with encouraging dormant nodes on the existing flower stem using Keiki Cloning Paste. Depending on the plant and node, this may encourage a secondary flower spike or the development of a keiki.
Airflow – Why is circulation so important?
Phalaenopsis are epiphytes, so airflow is important around both the leaves and the root system.
This is another reason never to plant them into dense potting soil or compost. Their roots need a very open growing medium with plenty of air moving through it.
Good circulation also helps the growing medium dry properly between waterings.
Temperature – What temperatures do Phalaenopsis prefer?
Warm indoor temperatures are ideal. Protect Micro Orchids from very cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Good airflow is beneficial, but cold air directly against the foliage isn’t.
FAQ’s
Q: Does the Micro Orchid come with the ceramic pot shown in the photo?
No. Our Orchids are supplied in their 5cm clear plastic growing pots only. Ceramic cover pots are not included. The clear pot is an important part of growing a Phalaenopsis successfully.
Q: Can I choose the flower colour?
Unfortunately not. Colours vary according to each batch received from the grower and specific colours cannot be guaranteed.
Q: How big are the Micro Orchids?
They’re approximately 25cm tall, supplied in 5cm clear pots and generally have one flowering stem. Both the plant and its flowers are considerably smaller than a standard Phalaenopsis.
Q: How long will the flowers last?
Phalaenopsis are exceptionally long-flowering Orchids. Individual flowers and flower spikes can remain attractive for weeks, and a plant carrying buds can continue flowering for several months under good conditions.
Q: Should Orchid roots be green or grey?
Both colours can be normal at different stages. Hydrated roots become thick and green, while roots that are ready for water become silvery-grey. Wrinkled, thin grey roots indicate more substantial dehydration.
Q: Can I leave my Orchid in its cover pot permanently?
I don’t recommend it. A cover pot is useful while the plant is flowering, but Phalaenopsis roots benefit from light. After flowering, keep the plant predominantly in its clear pot where the root system is exposed to light and airflow.
Q: Why are my Orchid leaves becoming wrinkled?
Wrinkled leaves are usually a sign of significant dehydration or a root system that isn’t supplying enough water to the plant. Check the roots first. If the entire plant is severely dehydrated, use the 24-hour recovery soak described in the care guide above.
Q: Can I plant my Orchid in normal potting soil?
No. Phalaenopsis are epiphytes and their roots need considerable airflow. Dense potting soil and composted growing media can remain wet around the roots and dramatically reduce aeration.
Q: Why doesn’t ordinary bark-only Orchid Mix work particularly well for these tiny plants?
Large bark pieces provide excellent airflow but hold very little moisture. In a tiny 5cm pot, that can result in the root system drying extremely quickly. Our Orchid Mix is specifically formulated for Phalaenopsis to provide both airflow and more consistent moisture around the roots.
Q: Will my Micro Orchid flower again?
Yes. After flowering, concentrate on growing strong leaves and healthy roots. Give the plant plenty of light, leave the roots exposed in their clear pot, water according to root condition and feed regularly. A healthy Phalaenopsis can flower repeatedly for many years.
Q: Should I throw the Orchid away when the flowers finish?
Definitely not. Flowering is only one part of the plant’s growth cycle. Once the flowers finish, the Orchid returns to producing leaves and roots before its next flowering cycle.
Q: Is a Micro Orchid pet safe?
Phalaenopsis Orchids are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Be sure to visit and follow us Facebook and Instagram
