Phalaenopsis

Currently, the subgenus Polychilos includes 5 epiphytic or lithophytic species with relatively small flowers that develop gradually from bottom to top on the peduncle. On a short shoot, from three to ten leaves alternately develop, located in two opposite rows. Aerial roots are rounded in cross-section, greenish-white. Like other epiphytic orchids, the roots are capable of photosynthesis, and sometimes young plants develop from meristematic root foci. Phalaenopsis from the Polychilos section are interesting for their rapid reproduction in culture with the help of babies that spontaneously form from the lower buds of peduncles. Phalaenopsis cornucervi (Phalaenopsis cornucervi) has a flattened branching peduncle with comb-like bract scales covering the places of flower bud formation, which is very similar to branching deer antlers. Its flowers are rather modest, greenish-yellow, glossy, with small freckled specks and a white lip. Phalaenopsis Lueddemann (P. lueddemanniana) is a small plant with two rows of green leaves and a creeping peduncle bearing 5-7 or more flowers at the top. Each flower is about 2 cm in diameter, its overall tone is yellow-purple-brown with a bright crimson lip. Both the petals and sepals have a pattern in front of them in the form of alternating chestnut-brown and narrower pale -yellow stripes, while their edges remain light, sometimes greenish, and closer to the middle of the flower, its color changes from yellow-brown to purple-pink. Three-lobed lip in its central part it has two white claw-like outgrowths with bright yellow spots, a bumpy callus at the base and a median oblong keel bifurcated at the end. Flowering plants of this species can be found in temperate greenhouses throughout the year, but most often the species blooms between March and July. Phalaenopsis beautiful (P. pulchra) is interesting with bright crimson flowers. Phalaenopsis belle (P. bellina) has an expressive flower.

Currently, the subgenus Polychilos includes 5 epiphytic or lithophytic species with relatively small flowers that develop gradually from bottom to top on the peduncle. On a short shoot, from three to ten leaves alternately develop, located in two opposite rows. Aerial roots are rounded in cross-section, greenish-white. Like other epiphytic orchids, the roots are capable of photosynthesis, and sometimes young plants develop from meristematic root foci. Phalaenopsis from the Polychilos section are interesting for their rapid reproduction in culture with the help of babies that spontaneously form from the lower buds of peduncles. Phalaenopsis cornucervi (Phalaenopsis cornucervi) has a flattened branching peduncle with comb-like bract scales covering the places of flower bud formation, which is very similar to branching deer antlers. Its flowers are rather modest, greenish-yellow, glossy, with small freckled specks and a white lip.

Phalaenopsis Lueddemann (P. lueddemanniana) is a small plant with two rows of green leaves and a creeping peduncle bearing 5-7 or more flowers at the top. Each flower is about 2 cm in diameter, its overall tone is yellow-purple-brown with a bright crimson lip. Both the petals and sepals have a pattern in front of them in the form of alternating chestnut-brown and narrower pale -yellow stripes, while their edges remain light, sometimes greenish, and closer to the middle of the flower, its color changes from yellow-brown to purple-pink. Three-lobed lip in its central part it has two white claw-like outgrowths with bright yellow spots, a bumpy callus at the base and a median oblong keel bifurcated at the end. Flowering plants of this species can be found in temperate greenhouses throughout the year, but most often the species blooms between March and July.

Phalaenopsis beautiful (P. pulchra) is interesting with bright crimson flowers.

Phalaenopsis belle (P. bellina) has an expressive flower.

Cultivation

Pot culture is preferred, although in conditions of guaranteed daily moisture and high relative humidity, phalaenopsis can also be kept in a block culture with roots partially covered with a substrate.

Location

Requires moderate illumination (6500-11000 lux). In winter, in the dark season, it needs additional lighting.

Temperature

A plant of warm or moderate content with a summer daytime temperature of 23 to 29 °C, which should drop to 18-20 °C at night. Winter night temperatures should not fall below 12-16 °C.

Watering

Prefers high relative humidity and even abundant watering throughout the year. Plants kept in winter without artificial lighting should be watered less often in the darkest part of the year, but it is not recommended to dry them. In winter, during a short period of rest, you need to reduce top dressing with liquid mineral fertilizer.

Transplant

When planting in a pot, the apical meristem of the shoot, hidden inside the last leaf, should be directed vertically upwards. When planting in a block, the plant should be placed so that the rosette of leaves looks out. Frequent transplanting is contraindicated, plants do not need it until the substrate begins to actively decompose. The best time for transplanting is April-May, when the plants begin to form new roots.

Care

Remove dry leaves and wilting flowers.

Reproduction

Propagate by dividing the bush, cutting it across so that both halves have their own roots. Sometimes in flowering plants, dormant buds of peduncles develop into «babies». They are planted after the formation of their own root system.

Diseases

Plants are not very susceptible to diseases and rarely suffer from pests. In unfavorable conditions (with a strong drop in temperature or waterlogging), the apical meristem of the shoot may rot, and the lower leaves may also turn yellow and fall off.

Acquisition

Flowering phalaenopsis and their hybrids can be purchased in flower shops or from amateur gardeners. Plants should have well-developed shoots with fleshy healthy leaves and roots, preferably with a developing young leaf at the end of the shoot. With the help of seeds, they do not reproduce under normal conditions.