Happy Flower Pot

Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Phalaenopsis sp. (Orchidaceae)

Also called Moth Orchid, Moon Orchid.

Cats and dogs

Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: non-toxic Dogs: non-toxic

Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.

Source: ASPCA entry "Phalaenopsis Orchid", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

  1. Low light 3+ mol
  2. Medium light 6+ mol Copes
  3. Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
  4. Direct sun 12+ mol

Among orchids it is a lower-light type, but it still wants a bright window with little or no direct sun; an east window is best, or a well-shaded south or west window. Wisconsin and UF describe this as bright indirect light, while NC State and Clemson call it low light by orchid standards.

Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.

On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Moderate. Water: Water about once a week, let the pot drain fully, and let the mix dry a little between waterings but never completely.

Too little light is a main reason orchids fail to rebloom.

More pet-safe plants for similar light

Sources