Scientific Name
Phalaenopsis aphrodite Rchb.f.
Synonym(s)
Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. aphrodite, Phalaenopsis amabilis var. aphrodite, Phalaenopsis ambigua, Phalaenopsis erubescens
Scientific Classification
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Phalaenopsis
Subgenus: Phalaenopsis
Flower
Color: White or yellowish-white
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a compact species that grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Leaves are shiny green, oblong to elliptic, up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, and up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide. Flowers are white or yellowish-white and appear in spring but possible all year.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Phalaenopsis are generally very rewarding plants. They are not demanding, and in the right conditions, they will reward the grower with months of showy blooms. However, it is vitally important that water never be allowed to rest in the growing tip of the plant. This will cause the new leaves to rot, and the plant will die. Thus, they should only be watered in the morning. As with all Orchids, the higher the humidity and temperature, the greater the need for turbulent airflow to prevent rot, fungus, and diseases. Successful growth means finding the right balance between humidity, temperature, light, and airflow.
These plants can be grown in most Orchid potting media, including chunks of pine bark, clay aggregate pellets, charcoal, perlite, sphagnum moss, and styrofoam. They can also be grown in hanging baskets or mounted on slabs in a greenhouse-type environment. As with all Epiphytic Orchids, they should be planted in free-draining containers. Repot Phalaenopsis in spring, after the bloom is done. Adult plants can often go for two years or more before they need to be repotted.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids.
Origin
This species is native to Taiwan and the Philippines.
Links
- Back to genus Phalaenopsis
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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