Phalaenopsis pantherina

Also known as: The Panther or Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi var. pantherina In Borneo The Crocodile Tail Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Panther is a monopodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the spots on the flower.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous elliptic oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3-20cm long

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Bark

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 175mm to 688mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 20C to 31C, highest in August (21C to 31C) and lowest in January (20C 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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually.