Phalaenopsis amboinensis

Also known as: The Amboina Island Phalaenopsis or Phalaenopsis amboinensis f. flavida Phalaenopsis amboinensis h.v. common Phalaenopsis hombronii Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. flavida Phalaenopsis psilantha h.v. ochracea Phalaenopsis psilantha in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Indonesia

General Information

The Amboina Island Phalaenopsis is a small monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Indonesia.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 10-25cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

hot-growing-orchids Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 86mm to 472mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in September. Humidity ranges from 72% to 84%, highest in January and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 22C to 32C, highest in August (23C to 32C) and lowest in October (22C to 29C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done annually.