Florivern Herbarium · Sheet HERB-05
Det. — species determination
Phalaenopsis amabilis
Moth Orchid
Fam.
Orchidaceae
Monopodial epiphytic orchid producing arching racemes of porcelain-white floral bracts suspended above thick, succulent distichous leaves.
Hab. — where it grows wild
Tropical rainforest canopies of Maritime Southeast Asia and Northern Australia
HERB-05
Characters
Group
Flowering & Epiphytic
Setting
Indoor
Size class
Tabletop / Compact (< 40 cm)
Temperament
Moderate / Attentive
Animals
Pet Safe (ASPCA Non-Toxic)
Sheet II — Conditions of cultivation
How it has been grown,
and what changes it.
Inspect aerial and potted root velamen rather than watering by calendar: silver-white roots indicate readiness for a tepid morning soak; vibrant chlorophyllous green roots indicate full hydration. Never allow water to pool in the apical leaf crown.
55% – 75% RH with gentle air circulation
18°C – 28°C day; a 5°C autumnal night drop (to ~15°C) for 3 weeks initiates flower spike morphogenesis
Air temperature as recorded for this species in cultivation. Cold drafts matter more than the average.
100% epiphytic medium-grade Orchiata Pinus radiata bark with long-fiber New Zealand sphagnum moss ribbons; zero terrestrial soil.
Flower spike height 35–50 cm; basal leaf span 25–35 cm
Sheet III — Animals and households
If a cat, a dog or a child shares the room
Recorded non-toxic
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Non-toxic is not the same as edible — chewed leaves can still upset a stomach.
The record
Confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center listing for Phalaenopsis spp.
Florivern is a herbarium and a shop, not a veterinary authority. If you suspect a plant has been eaten, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line.
Sheet IV — Monograph
Notes toward cultivation
Velamen Root Physiology & Spike Induction
Unlike terrestrial plants, Phalaenopsis amabilis anchors to tree bark in humid tropical canopies using thick roots wrapped in a spongy epidermis called velamen. The roots conduct photosynthesis directly when exposed to diffuse light and require abundant air pockets around the bark matrix.
An orchid that lives in trees
In the wild, moth orchids cling to branches with their roots exposed to air. Green roots are freshly watered, silvery roots are dry — a useful guide to when the plant needs water.
In cultivation
Grow it in bright, indirect light, in a loose bark-based medium in a pot with plenty of drainage. Water thoroughly when the roots turn silver and the medium is nearly dry, and let excess water drain away; water left in the crown can cause rot.
Reflowering
A new flower spike is often triggered by a few weeks of cooler nights in autumn. After flowering, the old spike can be left (it sometimes branches and flowers again) or cut back to let the plant rebuild leaves and roots.
Common problems
Soft, brown or hollow roots point to overwatering or old, broken-down bark.
Wrinkled, limp leaves usually mean the roots cannot take up water — check them before adding more.
Buds that drop before opening are often caused by sudden changes in temperature or position.
Supplementary plates
Plates show cultivated individuals, not a type specimen. Leaf form, color and habit vary between plants of the same species.
Sheet V — Cited in the Journal
Further reading on this plant
Held in the Store
Specimens and materials
Phalaenopsis Amabilis — Double-Spike Epiphyte
In Stock
$95
Epiphytic Aroid & Orchid Bio-Substrate (8 L)
In Stock
$34
Each specimen is an individual plant; size and form differ from the plates on this sheet.