Also known as phalaenopsis schilleriana, this stunning plant boasts large pink blooms with purple spots. Found in the Philippines, its flowers can last up to three months. In the wild, it grows as an epiphyte on trees, but can also be grown in a pot indoors.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Phalaenopsis is a plant of the orchid genus Phalaenopsis and an endemic species to Philippines. It is commonly cultivated as a decorative houseplant.
It grows high in the branches of trees in rainforests, at heights of 0-457 meters above sea level.
It is a large sized, hot growing epiphytic plant with stout, short, stems enveloped by imbricate leaf bases carrying fleshy, elliptic, oblong-elliptic, to oblanceolate, obtuse leaves. The leaves are 15-46 cm long, are dull, dark green with grayish-white marbling on the upper side and purple spots on the underside.
Schiller’s Phalaenopsis blooms in the spring on a branching, arching to pendant, to more than 3′ (90 cm) long, 3 to 250 flowered inflorescence with small ovate-cucullate bracts carrying showy, delicate, fragrant flowers that can be quite stunning. The flowers are 8-9 cm in diameter, but when there are many, they are usually smaller. The inner whorls are wide, with a delicate texture, and all petals can be white, pale pink, lilac-pink or dark pink-purple with white edges. The lip has the shape of an anchor, and the side plots in crimson have carmine dots. Flowers are variable both in color and form.
Phalaenopsis schilleriana is reportedly among the easiest species of orchids to grow as a houseplant, it is usually about as tolerant as more widely available hybrid phalaenopsis orchids. It thrives in a domestic temperature range of 17–22 °C (63–72 °F), in bright indirect light such as that offered by an east- or west-facing window, although it is reportedly tolerant of higher light than most phalaenopsis. Specialized fir bark, long fiber sphagnum moss, or coconut husk-based orchid potting mixes, pots, and fertilizers are widely available.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Phalaenopsis schilleriana likes sufficient sunlight, which turns its leaves a beautiful emerald green. However, very bright sunlight could scorch its leaves. Therefore, it is best to place the plant on a windowsill and let the sunlight shine through the glass. If it receives insufficient sunlight, the leaves lose their luster and turn dark green, the stems elongate, and there are fewer flower buds. However, if the sunlight is too intense, its leaves will get sunburnt.
Temperature
The average temperature of the summer day is 29-33 ° C, night 21-23 ° C, and the daily difference is 7-9 ° C. The average temperature of the winter day is 29-31 ° C, the night 19-21°C, and the daily difference increases and amounts to 8-11°C. Clear fluctuations in temperature or a larger daily difference are necessary because the plant does not survive constant high temperatures.
Humidity
During warm weather, this species needs the average humidity of 80%. Good air circulation will help prevent root or top rot.
Watering
Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a plant that thrives in high humidity environments, mimicking its native tropical rainforest habitat. It has a preference for balanced water intake and does not tolerate drought well. To keep it healthy, watering every week is recommended. This species is often grown indoors due to its sensitivity to temperature changes. As an evergreen plant, phalaenopsis schilleriana requires consistent moisture levels throughout the year to maintain its lush foliage.
Soil
As an epiphyte, the roots of phalaenopsis schilleriana need plenty of air, therefore soil with good permeability and drainage is preferable. Most garden centers sell special orchid potting mix, but you can also make it yourself by mixing 4-6 parts pine bark chips, 1 part perlite, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part horticultural charcoal. Some of the potted phalaenopsis schilleriana plants you can buy are planted in moss. The advantages of moss are that it is lightweight and permeable, making it easy to transport and allowing the roots to keep breathing.
Fertilizing
Phalaenopsis schilleriana grows exuberantly during the spring and summer. Fertilizer once every two weeks with a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 30-10-10. During the fall and winter, you can fertilize it once a month and reduce the dosage of nitrogen fertilizer to slow the growth of leaves, which will help with its flower bud differentiation. Use a balanced compound fertilizer before the flowering season, such as one with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20.
Planting Instructions
If you would like to continue growing your phalaenopsis schilleriana after its flowering season, it is recommended that you replace the soil. When the flowers wither, cut off the pedicels to avoid further nutrients being consumed.
Take the plant out of the pot, discard the old soil, rinse the plant’s roots clean, and cut off any sick, dead, or overly long old roots. Dry the roots and wrap them in peat moss, not too tightly or loosely. Finally, re-pot the plant. Thorough watering is recommended on the second day following re-potting.
Pruning
Prune any sick or dead leaves of phalaenopsis schilleriana in a timely manner to prevent any pests and diseases from spreading. Withered flowers should also be cut off promptly so they don’t consume more nutrients. If all of the flowers on a pedicel are withered, you can cut off the entire pedicel to concentrate the nutrients and help the plant bloom again.
Propagation
You can propagate phalaenopsis schilleriana by division or by cuttings.
Propagation by division: using an phalaenopsis schilleriana with more stems is a better option for the division. You should do this after blooming. When dividing the plant, dig it up carefully with its roots intact, and cut the roots into several clusters from the base. Remember to use clean tools and disinfect the wounds with a fungicide. Then plant your divided clusters in containers and keep them in a cool place. While the new roots are growing, spray them with plenty of water to prevent from drying out.
Propagate by cuttings before flowering. Choose a healthy, thick stem, remove the leaves, and cut it into small 2-node pieces. Insert the bottom directly into substrate. Keep the substrate moist, and they will root and sprout in about 2-3 months. You can also propagate by cuttings by laying the entire stem on top of moist substrate, and cutting it into pieces after it roots and sprouts. Transplant those rooted cuttings into pots for further growth. A third way to propagate by cutting is possible during weather with high temperatures, when the stems develop roots, and you can cut them off and plant them.
III. Harvesting and Storage
You can cut the flowers of phalaenopsis schilleriana for flower arrangements. Once it blooms with 4-5 flowers, cut them at the base of the pedicel using sharp gardening scissors. Place the flowers in a vase filled with clean water so they do not dehydrate. You can cut the end of the pedicel at a 45° angle to increase the area for water absorption. It is best to harvest flowers in the morning when their water content is higher and they lose water more slowly.
