Phalaenopsis [Bee Sting], Phalaenopsis [Papagayo]
Evergreen, epiphytic orchids, with fleshy, broadly oval leaves and one or more arching stems bearing yellow flowers with feathered red edges and purple centres over a long period at any time of year
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in open, bark-based, epiphytic orchid compost allowing the aerial roots to hang outside the container. Provide bright filtered light, good ventilation and, from spring to autumn, mist daily for high humidity. Water freely as compost dries out, allowing water to drain and apply an orchid fertiliser monthly. Provide a minimum day temperature of 17°C and night minimum of 15°C. See Phalaenopsis cultivation
Small plantlets (keiki) may appear from the nodes on the flower stems. Detach plantlets when they have developed several good roots and pot them up in orchid compost. Water sparingly at first, but mist them daily
No pruning required; cut back flowered stems to a lower node to encourage further flowers
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Generally disease-free