About
A compact, epiphytic orchid to around 30cm in height, with dark green fleshy foliage. Rich, dark purple flowers with a white border, darker purple lip and yellow throat, can appear at any time during the year.
About the genus
Phalaenopsis are a large genus of species and hybrid mainly epiphytic orchids. Short, upward growing, stem-like rhizomes with no pseudobulbs produce oval, fleshy mid to dark green leaves and flowers in branched racemes from the base of the leaves
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in open bark-based, epiphytic orchid compost allowing the aerial roots to hang outside. Provide bright filtered light, good ventilation and from spring to autumn mist daily for high humidity, water freely as compost dries out, allowing water to drain and apply an orchid fertiliser monthly. Provide a minimum day temperature of 17°C and night minimum of 15°C; See Phalaenopsis cultivation
PruningNo pruning required, cut back flowered stems to a lower node to encourage further flowers
PropagationSmall plantlets (keiki) may appear from the nodes on the flower stems, detach plantlets when they have developed several good roots and pot up in orchid compost, water sparingly at first, but mist daily
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free