The Horse Phalaenopsis
Native to the Philippines and Taiwan, this particular species was used as a parent of the first manmade phalaenopsis hybrid, Phalaenopsis Artemis, in 1892. It continues to be used extensively in hybridisation and is the parent of many, if not most, of the mini phals that we see grown commercially today due to their small flower size & impressive bloom display. Perhaps also as they are also one of the fastest phals to reach maturity. It is a particularly easy to grow species and easily adapts to a wide range of environments.
Overview
Subgenus: Phalaenopsis
Distribution: Philippines and Taiwan
Light: Low to medium
Temperature: Intermediate to warm growing
Water: Abundant during active growth, allow drying between watering
Size: Miniature (leaf length = 15-20cm)
Flowering Season: Possible year-round
Flower size: 1.5-3cm
Scent: None
Variants:
- Phal. equestris var. alba
- Phal. equestris var. aparri
- Phal. equestris var. aurea
- Phal. equestris var. cyanochilus
- Phal. equestris var. leucaspis
- Phal. equestris var. leucotanthe
- Phal. equestris var. rosea
While thermophilic, equestris adapts easily to home conditions. They can be grown mounted or grown 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 & on top of the roots for moisture retention if you decide to mount the plant.
Water abundantly in warmer weather, 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.
A note on flower spikes: This species has a tendency of making keikis and can branch out and rebloom out of old spikes for several years, so flower spikes are best left until they start to yellow & dry off.
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