The Exotic and Popular Phalaenopsis amabilis

       The Phalaenopsis amabilis orchid, which is commonly known as the moth orchid, or in Filipino, the ‘Mariposa” orchid is a gorgeous Philippine orchid species very important in producing today’s modern standard Phalaenopsis orchid hybrids.  Its flower shape is like large moths or butterflies flying in the air.

       Taxonomically, the species was first discovered on a small island off the east coast of New Guinea by botanist Georg Eberhard Rumphius in 1653 but named it Angraecum album majus. It remained undiscovered until 1825 when Karl Ludwig Blume discovered the same species and gave it the name it is presently known. This species is usually found in the eastern to southeastern regions of Asia, including the Philippines,

       Phalaenopsis amabilis plants have a uniform structure that makes the species easy to  identify by novice botanists. This orchid species, like most Phalaenopsis, has a short stem. The rooting of Phalaenopsis amabilis is usually unbranched except if the roots are damaged or if the individual plant has gotten old in age. The fleshy leaves of P. amabilis vary from oblong to elliptic at the base and obtuse, minutely, at the tip or apex and measures at 50 × 10 cm. The orchid's flowers are showy, membranous, white, the lip or labellum are three-lobed, and the callus have a variety of yellow and red markings. The species usually blooms during the first quarter of the year, as it responds to the cold temperature, and is able to bloom for a long period of time, about 1 to 1-1/2 months long and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter.

           Phalaenopsis amabilis reproduces sexually by producing a seed pod filled with dust-like seeds when flowers are pollinated.  Its flower are usually pollinated by large bees from the genus Xylocopa. For this particular species the pollination frequency is very high, usually 50%, and produces thousands of seeds.

            The plant is easy to grow but needs to be protected from direct sunlight and long periods of rain.  Cultivated plants are usually established in clay pots, plastic pots, in driftwoods, flat deadwoods, tree fern roots or slabs, or coconut husks. Plants can be attached and established in live trees, and coconut palms or the Manila or MacArthur palms.

            Phalaenopsis orchids prefer a semi-shaded or 50% shaded location, and should not be exposed to areas with continous rains, especially during the monsoon months.  Plants needs to be water once every day as they do not have pseudobulbs which can store water.  It is recommended to weekly spray plants with a dilute complete orchid foliar fertilizer for optimum growth.

            Like all Phalaenopsis, its succulent leaves needs to be protected from sucking insects like thrips, mites, aphids, and also from caterpillars which tend to chew on its tender leaves and young inflorescences.  For insect infestation, plants are preferably sprayed with a recommended dose of systemic insecticides like Lannate and Sevin and also a weekly spray of dilute fungicide like Captan and Dithane during the rainy season to prevent rotting.  Spider mites can be controlled by a dilute concoction of soapy water solution or commercially by a miticide like Ascend or Omite.

            Floral stems are is usually cut when withered or when the blooming season has completed.  The plant is propagated by removing the plantlets which have developed from the old floral stems.  Commercially, plants are mass produced through seeds, usually in a laboratory using orchid embryo culture technique.

            The Mariposa orchid is a popular orchid plant among common and specialized orchid enthusiasts, due to its ease of growing and its seasonal show of magnificent white flowers.  This orchid has been used both in landscaping and also in garden shows as a specimen plant.  The species is also used as a breeding stock in the development of modern Phalaenopsis hybrids of today.  The Mariposa orchid is nowadays mass propagated in Taiwan, but also found in the Philippines, in the United States of America and a favorite among European countries.   The plant is used both as a home and office decoration, and often given as exotic gifts for the plant symbolizes the qualities of refinement, friendship, perfection, numerous progeny, all things feminine, noble, and elegant.

            If you would like to see this orchid types, and other orchid hybrids, they will be used as landscaping materials in the upcoming 70^th Annual Orchid and Garden Show of the Philippine Orchid Society from February 25 to March 7, 2016 at the Flower Garden Area, East Avenue Gate, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City.  For further details, you could contact the POS Secretariat Ms. Jenny Rivera at 0917-8485468, Landline 957-3524 or email philorchidsociety@gmail.com

Contact us at: 

The Philippine Orchid Society, Inc.

Unit 209 Delsa Mansion, Brgy. South Triangle

Quezon City, Philippines

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