Phalaenopsis Leopard Prince X Brother Pirate King

[Bud]

Phalaenopsis are native to Southeast Asia including the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and some countries of the equatorial region. They live in the shady moist undergrowth of the forest, usually attached to trees. Phalaenopsis orchids are monopodial which means that they grow leaves from a central stem. These leaves do not have the same kind of water holding ability that the pseudobulbs on a sympodial orchid have and as a result Phalaenopsis don't like to stay dry for long.

The culture I have for this plant is east facing windowsill light and consistent moisture. Weekly weakly fertilizer alternated with Algoflash and seaweed mix. Some people water Phals weekly, I water every other day because of the coarse large media mix I use; the humidity and temperature in my room. I also have two small oscillating fans on each side of the windowsill and a 3 gallon humidifier.

Phals do very well as houseplants and will grow and flower in the same conditions that african violets prefer. Each year this plant will grow one or two new leaves and grow new roots. Once the growth phase is complete, a bloom spike will emerge from the stem beneath the second or third leaf from the top. Sometimes I have to help my Phals since it is grown in a consistent climate controlled home to induce flowers by allowing it to experience lower temperatures (60F) in another room for several nights in order to set a bloom spike.