Phalaenopsis schilleriana
Schiller’s moth orchid
An evergreen, epiphytic orchid with semi-pendent, broadly-elliptic, fleshy leaves. The leaves are up to 45cm long and 5-7cm wide, dark green with silver-grey spotted marbling on the top and purple overlay underneath. Rose-pink flowers, 5-9cm across, with purple or yellow lip appear in branching racemes in winter and spring. Plants grown in optimal conditions are able to produce large number of flowers (up to 250) on stems 90-100cm long. Mounted plants will develop more pendulous habit
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Pink | Green Grey Silver |
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, Pendulous weeping
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
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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