Project 2021: Phalaenopsis deliciosa

[neophyte]

Hey everyone, looks like Phalaenopsis deliciosa is our winning plant!!

Here are the vendors we've found that offer it – Quick, order your plants before they run out! :

J&L($33) - potted
Marlow($25) - mounted
There are probably other smaller places you can find it at as well.

This thread will be devoted to periodically posting pictures and updates of our plants and sharing any observations/tips that we might have. It's going to be loads of fun!!!

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And as promised, here is the culture information that Mr. Fakename has very, very generously compiled for us:

Phalaenopsis deliciosa was described by H. G. Reichenbach in 1854 (“Bonplandia 2: 93”).
Its name comes from the latin word deliciosus, -a, -um, meaning delicate.

Distribution:

• One of the most common Phalaenopsis, found in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Borneo, Vietnam, etc.
• P. deliciosa is split into 3 groups, with 2 subspecies:
  • Phalaenopsis deliciosa - most widespread
  • Phalaenopsis deliciosa subsp. deliciosa, having smaller flowers, with thinner petals and sepals, convex rather than flat, stripped instead of dotted, and a slightly different callus. Found in India, South-central China, and much of Southeast Asia.
  • Phalaenopsis deliciosa subsp. hookeriana, presenting bigger, fuller, yellow flowers. Found in Northern India, South-central China and Myanmar

Culture:

Light - P. deliciosa thrives in shade to deep shade

With such a huge distribution, it is hard to advise what light levels are best suited for individual plants.

Some of them live in tropical, evergreen forests where sun is extremely strong, some in more temperate, semi deciduous forests. That said, all reports indicate that this species has a preference for shade.

Strong light should be avoided, as plants will quickly burn and decline.

A good indication of appropriate light is leaf color; it should be dark green with silvery accents. Healthy leaves have wavy margins.

More light can be given in winter, to keep the plant growing.

Temperatures - Warm to temperate; a healthy plant will adapt to a wide range of temperatures.

With habitats ranging from lowland Borneo to 700+ meter-high Indian mountains, P. deliciosa is a master of adaptation.

All plants are fine growing in normal house conditions and do not require a greenhouse to keep happy.

Subsp. hookeriana tolerates cooler temperatures; avoid getting other plants below 15°C for extended periods of time.

High temperature variations between day/night promote blooming, which then occurs during fall and spring.

Water - Water and humidity are probably the single most important thing to consider for successful culture of this species

All collection data is clear about the fact that deliciosa thrives in humid conditions.

It is found near rivers and streams, and occasionally on rocks and on the ground with accumulated leaf litter.

Good watering technique is crucial, as this species is very bad at water storage, having very small and thin leaves.

Potting - Phal deliciosa is an epiphyte and a lithophyte

This species isn’t picky about its exact potting mix and will grow in about anything.

Use a very airy, moisture retentive medium that allows you to water regularly but maintains even moisture.

Allowing the plant to have a constant supply of water is key for optimal growth and good flowering. Good candidate for S/H.

Feel free to experiment with nutrition and calcium supplements. Since plants have been reported to grow on limestone and leaf litter, feeding fairly strongly and adding calcium could yield good results.

Happy growing everyone!!