Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as moth orchids, are beloved for their stunning beauty and ease of care. With over 75 recognized species and numerous hybrids, these orchids come in a variety of colors and patterns. Below, we explore 23 fascinating varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids.
1. Phalaenopsis amabilis
- Common Name: Moon Orchid
- Native Area: Southeast Asia
- Features: Large white flowers with a yellow center and a slight fragrance.
2. Phalaenopsis aphrodite
- Common Name: Aphrodite’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Taiwan and the Philippines
- Features: White flowers with a pinkish lip, resembling the beauty of the goddess Aphrodite.
3. Phalaenopsis bellina
- Common Name: Bellina Orchid
- Native Area: Borneo
- Features: Fragrant flowers with a greenish base and purple tips.
4. Phalaenopsis equestris
- Common Name: Horse Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Taiwan and the Philippines
- Features: Small, pink flowers that bloom multiple times a year.
5. Phalaenopsis gigantea
- Common Name: Giant Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Borneo
- Features: Large, fragrant flowers with a creamy white base and yellow spots.
6. Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica
- Common Name: Hieroglyphic Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: White flowers with intricate, hieroglyph-like markings.
7. Phalaenopsis lindenii
- Common Name: Linden’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: Pink flowers with a darker pink lip and a unique pattern.
8. Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana
- Common Name: Lueddemann’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: Fragrant flowers with a mix of purple and white colors.
9. Phalaenopsis mannii
- Common Name: Mann’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: India and Southeast Asia
- Features: Yellow flowers with red spots, known for their unique appearance.
10. Phalaenopsis micholitzii
- Common Name: Micholitz’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: White flowers with a yellow lip, resembling a dove in flight.
11. Phalaenopsis pallens
- Common Name: Pale Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: Pale yellow flowers with red spots, giving a delicate appearance.
12. Phalaenopsis pantherina
- Common Name: Panther Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Borneo
- Features: Yellow flowers with dark red spots, resembling a panther’s coat.
13. Phalaenopsis parishii
- Common Name: Parish’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Himalayas
- Features: Small, fragrant flowers with a white base and purple lip.
14. Phalaenopsis pulchra
- Common Name: Beautiful Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: Bright purple flowers with a glossy texture.
15. Phalaenopsis reichenbachiana
- Common Name: Reichenbach’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: White flowers with a purple lip, named after the famous botanist.
16. Phalaenopsis schilleriana
- Common Name: Schiller’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: Pink flowers with a unique marbled pattern on the leaves.
17. Phalaenopsis stuartiana
- Common Name: Stuart’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Philippines
- Features: White flowers with yellow and red spots, named after Stuart Low.
18. Phalaenopsis sumatrana
- Common Name: Sumatran Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Sumatra
- Features: Yellow flowers with red stripes, known for their striking appearance.
19. Phalaenopsis tetraspis
- Common Name: Four-Shield Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Andaman Islands
- Features: White flowers with occasional red markings, making each bloom unique.
20. Phalaenopsis venosa
- Common Name: Veined Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Sulawesi
- Features: Yellow flowers with red veins, giving a veined appearance.
21. Phalaenopsis violacea
- Common Name: Violet Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Sumatra and Malaysia
- Features: Fragrant, violet flowers with a glossy texture.
22. Phalaenopsis wilsonii
- Common Name: Wilson’s Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: China
- Features: Pink flowers with a darker pink lip, named after the botanist Wilson.
23. Phalaenopsis zebrina
- Common Name: Zebra Phalaenopsis
- Native Area: Borneo
- Features: Yellow flowers with bold, zebra-like stripes.
Phalaenopsis orchids are not only diverse in appearance but also relatively easy to care for, making them a favorite among orchid enthusiasts. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced grower, these varieties offer something for everyone.
Citations:
[1] https://www.thespruce.com/orchid-identification-1315976
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Phalaenopsis_species
[3] https://prestigebotanicals.com/products/white-orchid-phalaenopsis-23
[4] https://www.aos.org/explore-orchids/phalaenopsis-alliance/beginners-series-23-phalaenopsis-part-4
[5] https://www.lavenderhomemarket.com/product/23-phalaenopsis-orchid-drop-in/488
