Phalaenopsis lobbii

Also known as: Lobb's Phalaenopsis or Phalaenopsis lobbii var. vietnamensis Phalaenopsis parishii f. flava Phalaenopsis x intermedia var. portei Phalaenopsis x vesta Phalaenopsis x portei Phalaenopsis x lobbii Phalaenopsis listeri Phalaenopsis lobbii h.f. alba Phalaenopsis x delicata Phalaenopsis x intermedia var. brymeriana Phalaenopsis x brymeriana Phalaenopsis portei Phalaenopsis brymeriana Phalaenopsis vesta Phalaenopsis decumbens var. lobbii Phalaenopsis x intermedia Phalaenopsis intermedia h.v. portei Phalaenopsis lobbii f. flavilabia Doritis lobbii f. flavilabia Doritis lobbii f. flava Phalaenopsis delicata Phalaenopsis intermedia h.v. dietzii Phalaenopsis intermedia Phalaenopsis parishii var. lobbii Phalaenopsis intermedia h.v. diezii Phalaenopsis lobbii f. flava in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Assam - India Bhutan China Myanmar Sikkim - India

General Information

Lobb's Phalaenopsis is a monopodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. It is named after the English Orchid Collector in India in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 5-13cm long

Substrate(s)

• Bark

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 818mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 57% to 86%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 8C to 31C, highest in April (23C to 31C) and lowest in January (8C to 22C).

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.