Two Phalaenopsis species in bloom

Updates from the grow space this month include two species that are currently in bloom. Of the two, only Phal. fuscata is distributed in Borneo, whereas Phal. stuartiana is a species endemic to Mindanao in the Philippines. These two species make quite a lovely primary hybrid, which has been registered as Phal. Zuma's Angelita (click on the name to get a link to see an example from www.phals.net). A plan to remake this cross with these two individuals is currently underway.

Interesting observations include the pretty unique fragrance that is emitted by Phal. fuscata, which is a mix of sweet and grassy scents, with a woody undertone. As for the nobilis form of Phal. stuartiana, the flowers open mostly pale and the suffuse yellow coloration took about two weeks to deepen in my conditions. This plant isn't fragrant, which suggests that this trait could be variable within this species.

Phalaenopsis stuartiana f. nobilis

Phalaenopsis fuscata

Leaves from Phalaenopsis

When not in flower, one of the most striking morphologies are the leaves exhibited by different Phalaenopsis species. In fact, some species from the section Aphyllae that occur at cooler regions in Asia are deciduous and will drop their leaves in the winter -- Phal. wilsonii and Phal. natmataungensis come to mind.

For species that retain their leaves, differences in color, size, shape and leaf patterning/mottling are indicative of some species. For example, Phal. gigantea leaves have a silvery, light green hue to it that is quite distinct, while Phal. stuartiana and Phal. lindenii have distinguishable shape and mottled leaf patterns. The last example in this series is a primary hybrid, Phal. Gretchen, that exhibits hybrid vigor and a recognizably intermediate leaf morphology.

Phalaenopsis gigantea

Phalaenopsis stuartiana f. nobilis (currently in buds)

Phalaenopsis lindenii

Phalaenopsis Gretchen (P. gigantea x P. stuartiana)

Phalaenopsis Gretchen with representative parents to show the intermediate leaf phenotype.