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Phalaenopsis bellina

The Beautiful Phalaenopsis
First described as a distinct species by Eric A. Christenson in 1995, Phalaenopsis bellina is endemic to Borneo and was once thought to be a variant of Phalaenopsis violacia, being called Phalaenopsis violacea var. Borneo, and takes much the same care. It grows in shady, humid, lowland, and swampy riverine forests low down on trees, often near or on branches overhanging stream banks at elevations from sea level to 200 meters.

Overview

Common Name: The Beautiful Phalaenopsis
Subgenus, Section: Phalaenopsis, Polychilos
Distribution: Borneo
Light: Bright filtered light
Temperature: Warm to hot growing
Water: Ample in water weather
Size: Small
Flowering Season: Spring-Autumn
Flower size: 5-6cm
Scent: Highly fragrant

Variants:

  • Phal. bellina var. alba
  • Phal. bellina var. bowringiana 
  • Phal. bellina var. chloracea 
  • Phal. bellina var. murtoniana
  • Phal. bellina var. punctata

CULTURE


Phalaenopsis bellina and violacea take virtually identical care. Both can be grown mounted bare root or in pots in an all-purpose orchid bark mix. If mounted, they will require high humidity in order to stay hydrated. Consider placing sphagnum moss under & around the roots for moisture retention if you decide to mount the plant.

Water abundantly in warmer weather, about once a week, depending on your environment, allowing the media to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilising should be done 'weakly, weekly' (1/4-1/2 strength) during active growth. As with all phals, when using commercial fertilisers, be sure to flush out any excess salt build-up by running water through the pot once a month or so as the excess salts can desiccate or burn the roots of the plant.

In regards to temperature, Phal. bellina likes to be kept in warm conditions year-round. Unlike most complex hybrids and other phalaenopsis, it does not require a drop in temperature in order to initiate flower spikes. As with violacea, be wary of drafts or a sudden change in temperature in the flowering season as this can cause bud-blast (the sudden, often unexplained drop of buds).


A note on flower spikes: This species has a habit of producing buds from the tips of previous years' inflorescence for several years. Thus, flower spikes are best left until they start to yellow & dry off.


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