Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Phalaenopsis philippinensis
Plant Common Name
Filipino Phalaenopsis, Philippine Moth Orchid
General Description
The winter-blooming Philippine moth orchid has silvery mottled leaves and bears an arching stem with pink-kissed white flowers. This narrowly endemic orchid is found only on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. In its natural environment, this epiphyte grows along tree branches in dense, humid forests.
The silvery evergreen leaves of this orchid are broad, tongue-like and shiny with an underlay of dark green. Each leathery leaf rises from nodes along a very short stem. It slowly adds new leaves one by one as it elongates during the warm rainy season, which occurs from spring to fall. In winter, a long slender flower stalk is produced with pink-tinted white flowers that open in succession from bottom to top. Flowering occurs over a period of several weeks. The lateral petals are large and club-shaped and the floral lip yellow with flecks of dark violet. As wind catches the flowers, the entire flower stalk bobs, making the blossoms resemble fluttering moths. After the last blossom fades, the stalk remains and often will send up a side shoot from a lower node for a second flowering.
Philippine moth orchid thrives in hot tropical climates and requires bright filtered light for good growth and flowering. It is a true epiphyte that grows best mounted on a tree trunk, cork slab or nestled in a slatted basket or pot. Containers should be filled with bark mix. From spring to fall water frequently but only when the plant and bark are dry to the touch. Provide high humidity and ample air circulation to prevent rot. Light applications of liquid fertilizer should be applied in fall and winter. Protect from frost.
Allow the moth orchid to become rootbound before disturbing it. Do not repot it while it is in bloom but wait until spring when new root growth has just started. To encourage reblooming, cut spent flower stalks back so that three stalk nodes remain. Failure for moth orchids to prosper in an indoor environment is most likely due to overwatering and insufficient light. This orchid needs very bright indirect light; dark green leaves usually mean light levels are too low. The stems make nice cutflowers for bouquets.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Full Shade
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Height
3"-5" / 7.6cm - 12.7cm
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Width
10"-15" / 25.4cm - 38.1cm
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Bloom Time
Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Southeastern Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Light Pink, Violet
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Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Silver, Gray
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
SpottedMottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
