Phalaenopsis viridis

Also known as: The Green Phalaenopsis or Phalaenopsis forbesii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

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

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 8-30cm long

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

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 97mm to 323mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 81%, highest in June and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 18C to 27C, highest in March (19C to 27C) and lowest in January (18C to 24C).

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.