The name Phalaenopsis is derived from the Greek words 'phalaina', moth; and opsis, appearance. Plants in this genus are monopodial and usually epiphytic, although there are ocassional lithophytes and those species formerly included in Doritis are typically terrestrial in their native habitat.

There are 63 species, 7 natural hybrids and numerous recognized varietal forms in the genus. Phalaenopsis are among the most popular cultivated orchids and thousands of hybrids have been made throughout the years.

The plants, themselves are attractive, with succulent leaves and some species exhibit sweet fragrance. Inflorescences range from short with few flowers to very branched floriferous stems. Flowers are generally long lasting, making Phalaenopsis the most popular of orchid pot plants.

There are five subgenera:

Proboscidioides includes Phal. lowii

Aphyllae includes Phal. hainanensis, stobartiana, and braceana;

Parishianae includes Phal. appendiculata, gibbosa and parishii;

Polychilos includes many species used in today’s modern hybrids such as Phal. mannii, fuscata, amboinensis, bellina, violacea, fasciata, gigantea, hieroglyphica and cornu-cervi

Phalaenopsis includes some of the most popular and well-known species such as Phal. amabilis, aphrodite, equestris, schilleriana and stuartiana.

They are found in three different habitats; the species in subgenus Polychilos and subgenus Phalaenopsis come from warm and humid habitats, however, those in subgenus Aphyllae and Parishianea are from higher elevations and cooler temperatures and they should not be grown together with the other types or with the common hybrids as their requirements are remarkably different.

Number of species: The World Monocot Checklist currently recognizes 63 species and numberous varietal forms as well as 7 natural hybrids.

Distribution: Throughout tropical Asia from southern India and Nepal east to Papua New guinea, north to China and Taiwan, and south to tropical Australia.

Did you know?

A warm day temperature inhibits flower initiation in Phalaenopsis

Ref: Matthew G. Blanchard* and Erik S. Runkle (2006)