Phalaenopsis aphrodite

Taxonomy

Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a beautiful species of orchid that can be found in southeastern Taiwan to the Philippines. It is a medium-sized, hot to warm growing, robust, epiphytic plant with fleshy or coriaceous, arcuate, pendant leaves. The leaves are 20-38 cm long, shiny green on the upper surface and purple on the bottom. The plant blooms from December until April on a lateral, many flowered inflorescence with small bracts. The flowers are 6-9 cm in diameter and have an attractive, wide-lobed shape that resembles moth or butterfly wings. The flakes of both whorls are white with a cream or green color, while the lip is also white with red and yellow spots. The plant prefers shady and humid conditions and is often found in primary and secondary forests, from sea level up to 300 m. Once the flowers have blossomed, they will eventually die, but the plant will continue to produce new flower spikes throughout its life. Orchid flowers evolved to attract pollinators, and their unique shape helps keep insects safe while collecting and dispersing pollen.

How to care for Phalaenopsis aphrodite

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Phalaenopsis aphrodite should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Phalaenopsis aphrodite loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Phalaenopsis aphrodite requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Phalaenopsis aphrodite is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Phalaenopsis aphrodite. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Phalaenopsis aphrodite should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Phalaenopsis aphrodite’s native range is Southeast Asia and Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia