Phalaenopsis Rotterdam
moth orchid Rong Guan Peacock gx
Compact, evergreen, upright growing epiphytic orchid. Broadly oval, green or dark green leaves up to 15 cm long emerge from the centre of the plant and are main storage of water and nutrients. New flowering stems emerge from the base of older leaves. Long lasting flowers are carried on racemes up to 30cm tall. Plant often carries multiple inflorescences, with each carrying large number of flowers. Bilaterally symmetrical flowers are 3 - 4 cm across, pale yellow with characteristic pink spotting. Lip is bright pink, with dark yellow centre and markings at the throat.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | Yellow Pink | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Phalaenopsis are a large genus of species and hybrid mainly epiphytic orchids. Short, upward growing, stem-like rhizomes with no pseudobulbs produce oval, fleshy mid to dark green leaves and flowers in branched racemes from the base of the leaves
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an open bark-based orchid compost. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct mid-day sunlight or heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 17°C at night and 20 - 25 °C during day. Mist aerial roots regularly and water the plant when almost dry - pale, silvery roots are a good indication when to water. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the season. See Phalaenopsis cultivation.
Propagation
Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Cut back flowered stem to lower node to encourage further flowering.
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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