The Violet Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis violacea is found in the humid, lowland tropical forests of the Andaman Islands, the Nicobar Islands and northwestern Sumatra. The coerulea variant of this beautiful small species has been selectively bred to reach an incredible indigo blue, rarely seen in the orchid world. Phal. violacea is also famous for being highly perfumed with a floral scent with a hint of cinnamon.
Overview
Common Name: The Violet Phalaenopsis
Subgenus, section: Phalaenopsis, polychilos
Distribution: The Andaman Islands, the Nicobar Islands, northwestern Sumatra
Light: Bright shade
Temperature: Intermediate-warm growing
Water: Wet-dry cycle
Size: Small-medium
Flowering Season: Spring-Summer
Flower size: 3cm
Scent: Highly fragrant
Light: Bright shade
Temperature: Intermediate-warm growing
Water: Wet-dry cycle
Size: Small-medium
Flowering Season: Spring-Summer
Flower size: 3cm
Scent: Highly fragrant
Varieties:
- Phal. violacea var. alba
- Phal. violacea var. coerulea
CULTURE
Phalaenopsis violacea 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. During active growth, fertilising should be done 'weakly, weekly' (1/4-1/2 strength). 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 plant's roots.
In regards to temperature, in its natural habitat, Summer temperatures are around 25-29 ° C during the day and 19-20 ° C at night; the Winter temps are 20-22 ° C during the day and 15-16 ° C at night. While violacea do well in pots in home conditions, be wary of drafts or a sudden change in temperature 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 on their own.
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