About
New flowering stems appear from the base of older leaves. A small, evergreen, upright growing epiphytic orchid. Broadly oval, green or dark green leaves up to 15 cm long emerge from the centre of the plant. Long lasting flowers are carried on branched racemes, each carrying numerous small white flowers with contrasting yellow centre. Flower buds are borne in succession.
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
HabitPendulous weeping
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open bark-based orchid compost. 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.
PruningNo pruning required. Cut back flowered stem to lower node to encourage further flowering.
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