moth plant
- noun
:
planta polilla
- The broad leaves of the moth plant often have distinctive silvery patterns.
Examples
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The moth plant thrives in warm, humid environments and is popular among indoor gardeners.
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She bought a beautiful white moth plant at the botanical garden's orchid show.
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The moth plant is known for its beautiful flowers.
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Many gardeners love the moth plants for their unique appearance.
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The moth plant produces stunning flowers that attract many pollinators.
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In her living room, she has a moth plant that adds a touch of elegance to the decor.
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Proper care for your moth plant includes providing adequate moisture and indirect sunlight.
Synonyms
1
6.7
A houseplant with large flat flowers and wide shiny leaves
A flowering plant with colorful, often fragrant flowers that look like butterflies
A plant with unusually shaped, colorful flowers often grown in pots
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun compound is compositionally built from 'moth' (modifier) + 'plant' (head), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a plant associated with or resembling a moth (in this case an orchid). While they may not know the specific genus, the general meaning 'a type of plant with moth-like qualities' is directly derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
The noun moth plant comes from the way the flower looks: each bloom spreads like the wings of a moth resting on a plant. That's why 'moth plant' today means a kind of orchid.