Moth orchids take their genus name from the Greek for moth, a reference to the way their flowers hover on arching stems as if mid-flight, an effect that is striking against the bold, dark green leaves. Wild species originate across tropical and subtropical Asia into northeast Australia, growing epiphytically in the canopies of humid forests. The commercial market is dominated by modern hybrids, of which more than 34,000 have been registered, derived from dozens of species across multiple hybrid generations. Flowers can last four months or more, and a single plant can bloom repeatedly for years with consistent care.

They want an east-facing windowsill, tepid water once a week applied freely and fully drained, and a balanced fertilizer at quarter strength weekly. Bark-based potting medium is essential; sphagnum moss alone can be difficult to rewet and risks root rot. When a flower spike finishes, cut it above the first node below the spent blooms and wait, as the node will often branch and rebloom. Large-flowered white and pale pink types may need a brief cool autumn night (around 55 degrees F for a week) to trigger a new spike; the modern dwarf hybrids do not.