Musings on Phalaenopsis amabilis

Believe it or not, Phalaenopsis amabilis was the first Phalaenopsis that I flowered successfully while growing up in Borneo in the 90's. I got a keiki from a neighbour who told me it was something 'wild' and I had no idea what it was until it flowered. This was where the addiction began I suppose..

Described by Linnaeus in 1753 as Epidendrum amabile, it was by no mistake that this was the type species that Blume founded the genus on back in 1825. The list of synonymous species names ascribed to Phalaenopsis amabilis is rather long and reminds one of the sordidness of taxonomical classification. Nonetheless, this species of 'pleasant'/'lovely' phal puts on quite a stunning show, scented or otherwise, and has a special place in this small grow space.

There are many horticultural varieties but the true amabilis is often referred to as diploid open-flowered forms of amabilis from Borneo, at least that's how this Borneo-centric blog likes to think about it. The best reading for an in depth analysis of this species is from the Japanese ranwild.org website.

My Phalaenopsis amabilis 'Sabah' x sib was acquired from Norman's and is adapting very well to the growing conditions. I have a feeling this plant is a line-bred tetraploid version, but we shall see when it flowers. It is currently working on two new roots and will hopefully put on more vegetative growth this summer.