DORITIS

Doritis is a genus of small to medium-sized, plants native to southeast Asia which belongs to the Phalaenopsis Alliance. They freely interbreed with Phalaenopsis creating thousands of registered Doritaenopsis hybrids.

While many Phalaenopsis inflorescences tend to gracefully arch, those of Doritis are stiffly erect, an adaptation resulting from their terrestrial habitat. Doritis also bloom during the summer months as well. The most commonly grown species of this is D. pulcherrima. 

The leathery leaves grow about seven to eight inches long. Long lasting flowers bloom on a tall spike. The flower colors range from a dark purple with orange or bronze spots to an almost white, rosy pink. The name comes from the Greek term 'dorites' meaning 'spear' and refers to the shape of the lip

LIGHT : Direct light should be avoided. Indirect bright light is most necessary

TEMPERATURE : Warm conditions are essential for Doritis. 85-90F during the day and 65F during the night is the ideal. This makes it suitable for most Indian conditions

WATER : Water needs for Doritis are pretty similar to Phalaenopsis. Water when almost dry.

HUMIDITY : 50-60% is the ideal humidity

POTTING : Doritis does not like to be over potted. Pot every year after they finish blooming. . Use Sphagnum Moss in warm and humid areas and bark type mixes in cooler and dryer environments.

Doritis sp are more suitable for Indian conditions and has recently been widely cultivated in Kerala. Doritis is naturally found in northeast India, south China, Burma, Viet Nam, Thailand, Malaysia and on Sumatra