Orchid of the day: Phalaenopsis lindenii

Phalaenopsis lindenii

A) This is our Phalaenopsis lindenii with a total of eight flowers, September 20th, 2015.

We have had this orchid since March 2011 and it began to actively produce flowers in 2012 and hasn't stopped since. This orchid is endemic to the island of Luzon, the Philippines. Unfortunately, this beautiful orchid is in the endangered list due to deforestation.

B) We hang our orchid outside to enjoy the warm Baltimore summer, photo taken July 19th, 2015. We see a flower stem shooting to the left of this photo.

The fern attached at the top of the bark has really thrived over the years and the Phalaenopsis lindenii thick waxy leaves really developed, showing the beautiful 'batik-like' patterns.

C) Three flowers opened showing the purple colors and yellow specks within. Photo taken August 30th, 2015. Five flower buds still waiting to bloom.

I asked, as usual, for Arne to write a little piece about this orchid or orchid family. I think it is only fair that you readers get to hear what he constantly tells me. A little orchid knowledge from this post to you. Do enjoy the paragraphs below!

"Of the orchids sold commercially today, more than 90% are hybrids of Phalaenopsis.  Because of the mass production of these orchids with huge long-lasting flowers that have been made easy for everyone to have and even grow, it is easy to forget that the true Phalaenopsis species are wonderful plants that are almost getting extinct in nature.  Phalaenopsis lindenii is one of those orchids.  Although not a cold growing orchid, Phal lindenii likes it colder than most Phalaenopsis species and is considered difficult to culture. 

To be a Phalaenopsis orchid, maybe it can be considered difficult at least if you want to show it off in its full glory.  When I grow an orchid I always try to envision how it grows in nature.  Because of that I grow Phal lindenii mounted on a piece of cork bark in rather low light in our basement.  The temperature is around 70 - 77 °F (21 - 25 °C) in summer and 59 – 68 °F (15 – 20 °C) in winter.  A fern came with the plant and I have a feeling that they like growing together". By Arne.

D) A clearer view of the pattern within  the flower. Especially the top bloom.

E) A total of six flowers on September 8th, 2015.

F)  See the contrast from July (A) to today. From a single flower stem a beautiful cascade of flowers. The fern that grew on the top of the bark is really doing well.