Phalaenopsis equestris

Also known as: The Horse Phalaenopsis or Phalaenopsis equestris f. cyanochila Phalaenopsis rosea var. aurantiaca Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. flavilabia Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. trilabiata Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. coerulea Phalaenopsis equestris var. alba Phalaenopsis rosea var. deliciosa Phalaenopsis equestris h.v. cyanochila Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. aquinii Phalaenopsis rosea var. leucaspis Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. aquinii-coerulea Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. obscura Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. rosea Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. flavescens Phalaenopsis equestris h.f. albescens Phalaenopsis riteiwanensis Phalaenopsis equestris h.v. apparri Phalaenopsis equestris h.v. mosea Phalaenopsis equestris var. leucotanthe Phalaenopsis equestris f. alba Phalaenopsis rosea Phalaenopsis equestris var. rosea Phalaenopsis equestris f. aurea Phalaenopsis equestris var. leucaspis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Philippines

General Information

The Horse Phalaenopsis is a monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous thick oblong shaped leaves that grow to 15-20cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Bark

Care Notes

These orchids live in environments that receive constant moisture, high humidity, and are surrounded by other plants such as ferns and mosses which not only attract moisture but compete for it as well.

As a consequence they can be difficult to keep healthy in an artificial environment where a constant balance has to be maintained between providing constant moisture to the roots, but also allowing them to not become soggy and dry quickly as they would in the wild. For this reason it's important to take into account the size of the plant, the health and fragility of the root system, and also think about your watering habits. If you water frequently you can use a media that drains more freely, if you water less reliably you will need to find a media that offers retention and keeps humidity around the roots without being soggy.

Because these orchids like high amounts of water, other plants such as ferns and weeds may start to grow alongside the orchid, whose roots can make the media quite dense, effectively strangling the orchid's roots, it's best to pluck them out before they become a problem. Fungus and bacteria can be an issue as well, but usually are a sign of overwatering, smell the media occasionally to check, and increase airflow, reduce watering, and adjust temperatures accordingly (often bacteria only flourish in warmer temperatures, fungus less so). 

 

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 432mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 89%, highest in December and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 19C to 33C, highest in April (23C to 33C) and lowest in January (19C to 29C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

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.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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,