A botanical species dedicated to the French grower Lueddemann and described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1862, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana is a native taxon in Manila, Philippines, and impresses with its remarkable coloration, consisting of intricate patterns almost reminiscent of filigree, parallel lines and spots of violet to dark red color on a light, white-cream background, with small dimensions, a tendency to produce keiki and reflower from persistent stems, and last but not least, with its delicate, sweet fragrance.
The accepted and known synonyms for this species are Phalaenopsis lueddemannii, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana f. delicate, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana f. ochracea, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana subvar. delicate, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana subvar. ochracea, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana var. delicate, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana var. ochrata, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana var. ochracea, Phalaenopsis ochracea, Polychilos lueddemanniana.
In its native region (Manila, Philippines), the species grows abundantly at altitudes between 27 – 61 m, in areas with warm climate and high humidity throughout the year, where light reaches low intensity values, providing partial shading. A small to medium-sized species, it populates epiphytic stations, developing ascending stems covered with overlapping sheaths of the leaves, oblong-elliptic in shape, fleshy, acute or obtuse, with a green-yellowish coloration. These are about 15 – 30 cm long, narrow, and have either a horizontal or pendulous habit.
The flowers, numbering 3 – 5 per stem, 5 – 6 cm in diameter, with a waxy, fleshy texture and star-like appearance, are persistent for almost 2 months and delight with their strong fragrance. The species shows high variability, with the perianth petals varying from purplish pink to white, often adorned with lines and spots. The labellum is always violet or orange. Flowering occurs from spring to summer, on suberect, curved or pendulous stems, about 30 cm long, thick, fleshy, racemose or paniculate. The inflorescences are abundant and arranged on stems much longer than the leaves, covered with small, distichous, oval-triangular bracts. Due to the frequent appearance of keiki and reflowering in this species, we recommend keeping the stems after the flowers wilt.
The requirements of the Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana species regarding light radiation intensity are low, falling within the range of 10000–12000 lux, provided partial shading is offered.
In terms of temperature, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana is a thermophilic species, with ideal temperatures ranging from 28–34 °C during the day and 21-24 °C at night. This species shows high tolerance to temperature, as long as an adequate humidity level and proper ventilation are ensured.
The optimal humidity for the growth of the Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana species is 80% and it can be reduced to 70-80% during the winter period. Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana can be successfully grown in pots with a growing medium made of pine bark sized 12–16 mm, possibly mixed with sphagnum, ensuring repotting only immediately after the flowering period, when new root growth appears. Watering is recommended at intervals of about 7 days, keeping the substrate fairly moist compared to other species and varieties of Phalaenopsis, but not wet. Fertilizations should take place weekly or every two weeks, after watering, to prevent chemical burns caused by nutrient crystallization on the roots. The recommended dose is 25–50% of the concentration on the fertilizer packaging. During the 2 winter months when light intensity and thus photoperiod decrease, it is recommended to reduce atmospheric humidity to 60-70%. Watering can also be done at intervals of 3–4 weeks from mid-October to the end of February, supplemented by leaf spraying, carefully monitoring the plant. However, complete drying of the substrate should not be allowed. During this period, when growth will stop, the use of fertilizers is not recommended.
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