Phalaenopsis equestris
A small, epiphytic, evergreen orchid with broadly-oval, fleshy leaves up to 20cm long and 3-4cm wide. From spring to winter, bears simple or branched, upright or arching racemes, up to 35cm long. Small flowers up to 2cm across are pale pink with deep pink or purple lip, streaked with dark red
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | White Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | White Pink | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
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
- Philippines, Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagation 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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Cut back green flowered stem to lower node to encourage further flowering. Remove the flowered stems once yellow and dry
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Avoid watering centre of the leaf crown, to prevent bacterial rots
Get involved
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