Stemming from Ancient Greek, the name "Phalaenopsis"—meaning "to have the appearance of a kind of moth"—captures the exoticness of the plant's appearance. Its monopodial, tubular structure (growing from a single stem) and narrow, leathery leaves provide a base for the spotlight: arching branches that bear waxy flowers of deep, vibrant colours. Two flat petals and three petal-like sepals comprise the flower bud, whereas the centre is a unique, lip-shaped petal with several lobes.

Though native to the tropical climates of India, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Australia, phalaenopsis can grow similarly in one's own home under balanced conditions. Whether in a room or by a window, their life will be long and steady in anywhere with natural lighting, but avoid direct sunlight as this would scorch the leaves. To encourage vegetation, they should be kept in warm temperatures that are matched with airflow to balance the humidity. With only their leaves to store water, they require thorough moisture to avoid drying out completely. Under this care, phalaenopsis should bloom primarily through fall to spring.