Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi

Also known as: Thaleban's Phalaenopsis or Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi f. flava Polystylus cornu-cervi var. picta Phalaenopsis thalebanii Polychilos lamelligera Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi f. sanguinea Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi var. flava Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi f. thalebanii Phalaenopsis de-vriesiana Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi f. picta Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi f. borneensis Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi h.f. flavescens Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi h.f. chattaladeae Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi h.f. rubra Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi h.v. rubescens Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi h.f. alba Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi f. chattaladae Phalaenopsis devriesiana Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi var. picta Phalaenopsis cornucervi Phalaenopsis borneensis Phalaenopsis lamelligera in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: India Indonesia Thailand

General Information

Thaleban's Phalaenopsis is a monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India, Indonesia and Thailand. It is named after a region in Northern Thailand.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 4-23cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• 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

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 190mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 58% to 80%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 16C to 37C, highest in March (24C to 37C) and lowest in January (16C to 30C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less.

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,

This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.