About
A small-sized, epiphytic, evergreen orchid with oval, fleshy leaves, up to 25cm long and 4cm wide, alternately growing around a short central stem. Seven to twelve flowers are borne in succession throughout the year on flattened, simple or branched, up to 40cm long racemes. Arranged in two rows, 5cm large, star-shaped, scented, waxy flowers are yellow-green, overlaid with brown-red markings and white lip. Mounted plants will develop more pendulous habit.
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, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright, Pendulous weeping
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toSE Asia, Philippines, Indonesia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open bark-based orchid compost or mounted on cork bark, where sufficient humidity can be provided. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct mid-day sunlight or heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 17°C at night and 20 - 25 °C during day. Mist aerial roots regularly and water the plant when almost dry - pale, silvery roots are a good indication when to water. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the season. See Phalaenopsis cultivation for more details
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Avoid watering centre of the leaf crown, to prevent bacterial rots