Phalaenopsis Be Tris gx

RHS Plant Profile
moth orchid Be Tris gx
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A small, evergreen, upright growing epiphytic orchid. Broadly oval, green, approximately 10cm long leaves emerge from the centre of the plant. New flowering stems appear from the base of older leaves. This hybrid produces up to 15 small, long lasting flowers on cascading branched racemes up to 30cm long. Flowers measuring 4 - 5 cm in diameter are bilaterally symmetrical, white, flushed pink at the centre and with a dark pink or red prominent lip with yellow centre

Position

Partial shade

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted

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 orchid propagation mix 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 flowered stem to lower node to encourage further flowering.

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