Scientific Name
Phalaenopsis bastianii O.Gruss & Roellke
Scientific Classification
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Phalaenopsis
Subgenus: Phalaenopsis
Flower
Color: Greenish-white to pale yellow and reddish-brown
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Phalaenopsis bastianii is an epiphytic plant with short stems that bears 2 to 10 alternating obovate-elliptic 2-ranked leaves at the apex. The leaves are pale green, up to 9 inches (22.5 cm) long, and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. The inflorescences are erect to arched, up to 20 inches (50 cm) long, and are produced from nodes opposite the base of the leaves. The inflorescence can have short branches formed at right angles, carrying 2 to 7 flowers. The flowers are flat and have a greenish-white to pale yellow base with wide, traverse, reddish-brown bars and a stained glass-like gloss. They are up to 2 inches (5 cm) in size and purple around the base on the sepals and petals. The mid lobe of the lip is pinkish-purple, the lateral lobes are orange, and the column anther is white.
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 is never 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 being repotted.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids.
Origin
This species is endemic to 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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