Phalaenopsis equestris aka Horse Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis equestris is a small orchid in the family Orchidaceae. Its common names include horse moth orchid and horse phalaenopsis. It comes from southern Taiwan and the Philippines. Its native climate is wet and tropical. This evergreen perennial grows as an epiphyte, using other plants for support. Gardeners grow it in pots, hanging baskets, or on bark.

Plants reach about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall in the NC State account. Their spread reaches 1–1.5 feet [0.3–0.45 metres]. RHS gives an upper size of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] each way. The green leaves feel fleshy and have smooth, unbroken edges. Each broad, oval leaf can reach 0.66 feet [0.2 metres] long. Green stems carry upright or arching flower racemes, which may branch. These reach about 1.15 feet [0.35 metres] long.

Flowers can appear from spring through winter, giving a long display. RHS describes small, pale pink blooms with a darker lip. The lip is deep pink or purple, with dark red streaks. NC State also records rose-purple flowers. Flower size differs between the accounts. RHS gives a width near 0.07 feet [0.02 metres]. NC State lists 0.08–0.25 feet [0.025–0.076 metres]. The fruit is a green capsule. The flowers make this orchid useful as a container specimen.

Give it bright, filtered light and shelter from midday sun. It needs warmth and high humidity rather than cold outdoor conditions. RHS rates it H1A, for year-round growing under glass above 15°C. NC State lists USDA zones 10a–13b for outdoor growing. RHS suggests nights near 17°C and days of 20–25°C. Use loose orchid bark compost, or mount it on cork bark. Mist exposed roots and water when they become pale and silvery. Let the plant approach dryness before watering again. Apply orchid feed through the growing season. RHS gives two to five years to reach mature size.

Mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, thrips, and false spider mites may attack it. NC State also notes botrytis blight. Keep water out of the leaf crown to reduce bacterial rot. Plants may form side shoots called keiki. Separate them once their new roots reach 0.07 feet [0.02 metres]. Seed propagation needs controlled laboratory conditions. Remove flower stems once they turn yellow and dry.