Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Moth Orchid Plant Care
Plectranthus ciliatus E.Mey.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's striking chartreuse leaves with dark green margins make it stand out in any collection. Originating from South Africa, Plectranthus ciliatus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique leaf shape and vibrant coloration, adding a pop of brightness to any indoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Moth Orchid?
Water Moth Orchid every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Moth Orchid Native To?
What Is the Moth Orchid?
Moth Orchid (Plectranthus ciliatus) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Plectranthus genus. Moth Orchid is native to South Africa and Eswatini, and introduced to Victoria in Australia and the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Moth Orchid is also known as Zulu Warrior.
Moth Orchid displays a bushy, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Moth Orchid produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Moth Orchid?
Plectranthus ciliatus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Moth Orchid Need?
Moth Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Moth Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moth Orchid Prefer?
Plectranthus ciliatus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Moth Orchid prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Moth Orchid?
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Moth Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Moth Orchid?
Feed Moth Orchid every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Moth Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Moth Orchid?
Moth Orchid can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shrubby plectranthus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Moth Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Moth Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Moth Orchid?
Moth Orchid is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Moth Orchid Need?
Moth Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Moth Orchid is native to South Africa and Eswatini, and introduced to Victoria in Australia and the North and South Islands of New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Moth Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Moth Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Plectranthus genus — compare its care with other Plectranthus species on PlantoScan.
Plectranthus is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Moth Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Plectranthus Species
Other Plectranthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Plectranthus ciliatus E.Mey., family Lamiaceae (first published in Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr. : 227 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Moth Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a – 11b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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