Epiphytic orchids make great houseplants because they grow and bloom well in low to medium light conditions. The common and scientific names come from the fact that the brightly colored flowers resemble moths hovering over sparse, dark green foliage. While the foliage is minimal and rather boring, the flowers are not. The elegant, arching flower stems usually hold 6 to 15 red, pink, purple, white, pale yellow or speckled blossoms that last for a month or more. Similar to the great flamingo, the moth orchid is native to Southeast Asia, with greatest concentration in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Most epiphytes require a coarse, well-drained media.
Coarse bark chips work well for most orchids. Typical houseplant soil mixes, like peat moss, retain too much moisture. Depending on the amount of growth, moth orchids can be repotted in fresh bark chips every year or two. Moth orchids grow best in bright, indirect light. Direct sun actually may burn the foliage turning the leaves yellow and brown.