365 days of orchids – day 234 – Phalaenopsis equestris
This miniature Phalaenopsis species is native to the Philippines and Southern Taiwan where it is reported growing as an epiphyte in lowland forest near streams.
The small flowers are produced on arching spikes that continue to grow for several months with successive flowers each lasting about a month.
This plant was deflasked about five years ago and grows very happily indoors where it flowers every year and grows in a small china coffee cup (with drainage holes drilled with a diamond drill bit) Interestingly the leaves grow towards towards the light and the flowers grow away from the light.
It’s habitat suggests a need for constant warm temperatures and so we find the greenhouse a little cool in winter but a centrally heated house perfect.
Discussion