Phalaenopsis amabilis
East Indian butterfly plant
An upright orchid with between 3 and 5 broadly oval, fleshy leaves which grow to 50cm long. Numerous, scented, long-lasting white flowers, up to 10cm across, with a white and yellow lip and red throat are borne from autumn to early spring on branched racemes up to 1m tall
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | White | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | White | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | White | Green | |
| Winter | Green | White | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Indies, Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an open bark-based compost and position with good indirect light and warm even temperatures. Water thoroughly when compost has almost dried out and feed regularly. Do not leave standing in water. See Phalaenopsis cultivation
Propagation
Cuttings or offshoots (keikis) may root successfully when roots are 2cm long
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut back flowered stems to a lower node to encourage the production of further flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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