Phalaenopsis hybrid with pink and yellow flowers

Credit: Abraham

Phalaenopsis cultivar with pink flowers

Credit: Meneerke Bloem

Orcidae butterfly hybrids with purple and yellow flowers

Credit: Honza Groh

Butterfly orchid cultivar with green and brown flowers and white labellum

Credit: Юкатан

Phalaenopsis hybrids: butterfly orchids in all colors

In the wild, Phalaenopsis grow in the mid-mountains and tropical rainforests of China, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines. But butterfly orchids have attracted the interest of collectors and scientists alike. Botanical species have given rise to hundreds of hybrid varieties. Their colors and fragrances may be unprecedented, but they all share common characteristics.

How to recognize a Phalaenopsis hybrid orchid?

Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic plants with an upright or drooping habit. Their roots are fleshy, hairless and green at the tip.

At first glance, the plant appears aculeate. In reality, it conceals a one- to two-centimetre stem, covered by intertwining roots and foliage.

Phalaenopsis, whether hybrid or not, have tough, elliptical green leaves. Depending on the species, they can measure up to 50 centimetres long and twelve centimetres wide.

The flowers bloom on the flowering stem, which can reach a meter in length. Their butterfly-like shape inspired the name Phalaenopsis (from the Greek phalaina, moth) and the nickname butterfly orchid. Each flower is perfectly symmetrical. The three more or less oval sepals form the calyx. The corolla consists of two oblong petals and a three-lobed labellum.

In the wild, Phalaenopsis flowers can be plain ( Moon Orchid), striped (as in phalaenopsis lueddemanniana ) or speckled (Phalaenopsis Kolibri). The shades depend on the variety. The inflorescence is bright white in phalaenopsis Aphrodite and luminous purple in phalaenopsis violacea. But scientists are going one step further. Thanks to cross-breeding and hybridization, butterfly orchids can now be found in all colors. From white to blue, pink, purple, red and yellow, Ravello, Harlequin, Limelight and Tsarine orchids come in every imaginable hue.

Our maintenance tips

Phalaenopsis are the simplest orchids to grow. For your Butterfly orchid to flourish, place the plant less than one meter from a window.

Watering

Phalaenopsis hybrids are watered when the substrate is dry. To find out if it's time to water your Butterfly orchid, look at its roots. As long as they're fleshy, shiny and green, you don't need to do anything. When they become pale, dull and stunted, your plant is thirsty.

Place your phalaenopsis hybrid and its pot in a slightly wide container. Fill the larger container with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or low-calcium mineral water.

Leave your Phalaenopsis to bathe for 10 to 30 minutes. Once the roots have regained their shiny green color, drain your orchid and put it back in place.

Make sure the heart of the plant remains dry. If water has seeped into the center of the leaves, tilt your Phalaenopsis hybride to drain it, or blot it up with absorbent paper. And don't forget to drain off any stagnant water in the saucer or planter.

Spray

In addition to regular watering, misting prevents the plant from drying out due to heat in summer and heating in winter.

Phalaenopsis hybrids do not like hard water. Preferrainwater or filtered water.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Phalaenopsis hybride to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Repotting should always be carried out outside flowering periods.

Phalaenopsis hybrids like to be cramped. Repot only when the roots have invaded the pot, the substrate has decomposed or the plant no longer fits in its container.

Get a pierced pot made of transparent plastic. This material has two advantages: it lets the roots take advantage of the light, and you can monitor their condition.

To repot an epiphytic plant, you don't need potting soil, but a mixture that allows the roots to anchor themselves. You'll find orchid substrate on the market, made up of bark, sphagnum moss and mosses. To prepare for repotting, moisten the substrate.

In the meantime, remove the roots from the plant. Uncoil the roots and completely remove the old substrate. If you notice any flat, dry or damaged roots, cut them off with a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.

Pour in a little growing medium. Place your phalaenopsis hybrid in the center of the container and add substrate. It should reach right up to the crown and get in between the roots. You can shake gently to distribute the mixture more evenly. Once the pot is full, pack lightly without suffocating the roots.

The end of plant growth is a good time to repot phalaenopsis hybrids.

Repotting should always be carried out outside flowering periods.

Phalaenopsis hybrids like to be cramped. Repot only when the roots have invaded the pot, the substrate has decomposed or the plant no longer fits in its container.

Get a pierced pot made of transparent plastic. This material has two advantages: it lets the roots take advantage of the light, and you can monitor their condition.

Fertilization

To promote the growth and flowering of your Butterfly orchid, you can apply a potassium-rich fertilizer, such as an orchid fertilizer.

Cleaning

Dust prevents leaves from absorbing light and slows photosynthesis. You can use a brush or feather duster to clean the foliage.

Prune

To prevent the spread of disease and pests, always prune with a clean, disinfected tool.

After the first flowering, cut off the flowering stem above one eye where all the flowers have faded. New buds will appear.

After the second flowering, or if the stem is completely dry, cut it off at the base.

Cutting

You can take cuttings all year round.

Phalaenopsis hybrids produce shoots called keikis. They form in the leaf axils, at the base of the plant, or on the flowering stem.

Locate a keiki with at least three leaves and three three-centimeter roots. You can detach it with your hands by gently rotating it. After a few rotations, the young shoot will separate from the orchid.

You can also detach the keiki with clean secateurs or scissors. In this case, cut the flower stem a centimetre above and a centimetre below.

Soak the roots of your keiki in water at room temperature for ten minutes.

Prepare a pierced plastic pot. Place clay balls in the bottom for drainage. Add a mixture of sphagnum moss and bark. Place your keiki in the center and fill with the growing medium.

Young plants like humid atmospheres. You can place them in a terrarium or greenhouse until they form new leaves.

Wintering

The plant needs a winter period to flower from one year to the next.

Phalaenopsis hybrids bloom again on their own. If no buds appear two months after the last bloom, your Phalaenopsis hybride may need a boost.

For two to three weeks, place it in a room with a temperature of 15°. Reduce watering. It shouldn't be long before new flowers appear.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Orchids - Orchidaceae
Type	Butterfly orchid - Phalaenopsis
Species	Hybrid butterfly orchid - Phalaenopsis hybride
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Flowery
Tags	Beginner Flowery Fritillary
Origins	East Asia Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors