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'''''Phalaenopsis''''' (Blume 1825) is a [[genus]] of approximately 63 species of [[Orchidaceae|orchid]] (Orchidaceae) |
'''''Phalaenopsis''''' (Blume 1825) is a [[genus]] of approximately 63 species of [[Orchidaceae|orchid]] (Orchidaceae) |
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| ⚫ | The generic name originates from the Greek ''phalaina'', “moth” and ''opsis'', “like,” descriptive of the inflorescences of some species, which resemble moths in flight. For this reason, Phals are sometimes called “Moth orchids” , because, when they were first discovered, they gave the impression of glowing and fluttering like a swarm of moths. |
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''Phalaenopsis'' (commonly referred to as “Phals”) are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants owing to the ease of propagation and flowering under artificial conditions. |
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| ⚫ | The generic name originates from the Greek ''phalaina'', “moth” and ''opsis'', “like,” descriptive of the inflorescences of some species, which resemble moths in flight. For this reason, Phals are sometimes called “Moth |
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They are native throughout Southeast Asia from the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] mountains to the [[Philippines]] and Northern [[Australia]]. |
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[[Image:Phalaenopsis.web.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Phalaenopsis amabilis'']] |
[[Image:Phalaenopsis.web.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Phalaenopsis amabilis'']] |
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Most are [[epiphyte|epiphytic]] shade plants; a few are [[lithophyte]]s. In the wild they are typically found below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight. |
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| ⚫ | ''Phalaenopsis'' are extremely easy to grow and flower in the home, as long as some care is taken to provide them with conditions that approximate their native habitats. In nature, they are typically fond of warm temperatures (68 to 95 F/20 to 35 C), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human habitation in temperate zones (60 to 86 F/15 to 30 C). Phals require high humidity (60-70%) and low light (around 1,200 to 2,000 [[foot-candle]]s). Flowering is triggered by a daily drop in temperature of around 10 degrees [[Fahrenheit]] (or 6 degrees [[Celsius]]) for 2 to 4 consecutive weeks. |
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''Phalaenopsis'' shows a [[monopodial]] growth. An erect growing [[rhizome]] produces from the top one or two alternate, thick and fleshy, elleptical [[leaf|leaves]] a year. The older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. The plant retains this way four or five leaves. They have no [[pseudobulb]]s. The [[raceme]] appears from the [[stem]] between the leaves. They bloom in their full glory for several weeks. |
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The species can be classified in two groups : |
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*A group with a long, branched inflorescence (up to 1 m long) and large, almost round flowers with rose or white tints. |
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*A group with short stems and less rounded , waxy flowers with more pronounced colors. |
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| ⚫ | Intensive cross-fertilization has produced a great number of hybrids in all colors and variations. ''Phalaenopsis'' (commonly referred to as “Phals”) are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants owing to the ease of propagation and flowering under artificial conditions. They were among the first tropical orchids in [[Victorian]] collections. They are extremely easy to grow and flower in the home, as long as some care is taken to provide them with conditions that approximate their native habitats. In nature, they are typically fond of warm temperatures (68 to 95 F/20 to 35 C), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human habitation in temperate zones (60 to 86 F/15 to 30 C). Phals require high humidity (60-70%) and low light (around 1,200 to 2,000 [[foot-candle]]s). Flowering is triggered by a daily drop in temperature of around 10 degrees [[Fahrenheit]] (or 6 degrees [[Celsius]]) for 2 to 4 consecutive weeks. |
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Innumerable horticultural [[hybrid]]s of Phalaenopsis have been created over the years, and these are usually more adaptable to artificial conditions than their botanical ancestors. Most are hybrids of ''Phalaenopsis amabilis'' with ''Phalaenopsis schilleriana'' or ''Phalaenopsis stuartiana''. |
Innumerable horticultural [[hybrid]]s of Phalaenopsis have been created over the years, and these are usually more adaptable to artificial conditions than their botanical ancestors. Most are hybrids of ''Phalaenopsis amabilis'' with ''Phalaenopsis schilleriana'' or ''Phalaenopsis stuartiana''. |
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Revision as of 18:26, 28 October 2004
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Phalaenopsis (Blume 1825) is a genus of approximately 63 species of orchid (Orchidaceae)
The generic name originates from the Greek phalaina, “moth” and opsis, “like,” descriptive of the inflorescences of some species, which resemble moths in flight. For this reason, Phals are sometimes called “Moth orchids” , because, when they were first discovered, they gave the impression of glowing and fluttering like a swarm of moths.
They are native throughout Southeast Asia from the Himalayan mountains to the Philippines and Northern Australia.
Most are epiphytic shade plants; a few are lithophytes. In the wild they are typically found below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight.
Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial growth. An erect growing rhizome produces from the top one or two alternate, thick and fleshy, elleptical leaves a year. The older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. The plant retains this way four or five leaves. They have no pseudobulbs. The raceme appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full glory for several weeks.
The species can be classified in two groups :
- A group with a long, branched inflorescence (up to 1 m long) and large, almost round flowers with rose or white tints.
- A group with short stems and less rounded , waxy flowers with more pronounced colors.
Intensive cross-fertilization has produced a great number of hybrids in all colors and variations. Phalaenopsis (commonly referred to as “Phals”) are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants owing to the ease of propagation and flowering under artificial conditions. They were among the first tropical orchids in Victorian collections. They are extremely easy to grow and flower in the home, as long as some care is taken to provide them with conditions that approximate their native habitats. In nature, they are typically fond of warm temperatures (68 to 95 F/20 to 35 C), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human habitation in temperate zones (60 to 86 F/15 to 30 C). Phals require high humidity (60-70%) and low light (around 1,200 to 2,000 foot-candles). Flowering is triggered by a daily drop in temperature of around 10 degrees Fahrenheit (or 6 degrees Celsius) for 2 to 4 consecutive weeks.
Innumerable horticultural hybrids of Phalaenopsis have been created over the years, and these are usually more adaptable to artificial conditions than their botanical ancestors. Most are hybrids of Phalaenopsis amabilis with Phalaenopsis schilleriana or Phalaenopsis stuartiana.
Further reading
- Harper, Tom. “Phalaenopsis Culture: Advice for Growing 20 Species.” Orchids Magazine, Volume 73, No. 2 (February 2004). Delray Beach, FL: American Orchid Society, 2004.
- Leroy-Terquem, Gerald and Jean Parisot. Orchids: Care and Cultivation. London: Cassel Publishers Ltd., 1991.
- Schoser, Gustav. Orchid Growing Basics. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1993.
- White, Judy. Taylor’s Guide to Orchids. Frances Tenenbaum, Series Editor. New York: Houghton-Mifflin, 1996.