Phalaenopsis amboinensis is a botanical species described by J.J. Smith in 1911, native to Ambon Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Known synonyms for this species include Phalaenopsis amboinensis f. flavida, Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. flavida, Phalaenopsis hombronii, Phalaenopsis psilantha, Polychilos amboinensis. It grows in shaded areas, under trees, in moist forests, at altitudes between 0 – 400 m. It is a small-sized species, preferring warm climates, developing as an epiphytic plant.
The presence of elliptical or oblong-lanceolate leaves up to 25 cm long is notable. It blooms on curved lateral stems up to 45 cm long, developed racemose or paniculate, with inflorescences accompanied by small bracts. The flowering period is long-lasting, with stems usually emerging at the end of winter or spring. The flower diameter is approximately 5 – 8 cm, with both petals and sepals shaped like a cup, having pointed tips but wide enough for their edges to overlap at the base. The flowers have a cream to pale yellow or pale orange background color, streaked with red-brown lines. The labellum is small in size.
The light radiation requirements for Phalaenopsis amboinensis are low, typical for representatives of the genus, falling within the range of 10,000 – 12,000 lux. Morning light exposure is recommended. When light is weak or the photoperiod is reduced (the species requires at least 10 hours per day), Phalaenopsis amboinensis will slow its growth. In apartment conditions, supplementation with artificial lights is recommended.
The ideal growth temperature for this species ranges between 27-31 ℃ during the day and 22-23 ℃ at night.
The growth humidity for the species Phalaenopsis amboinensis, when cultivated in pots, will be 60 – 65%, or 75 – 85% when cultivated on bark plaques, but these values should be correlated with the type of substrate used and ambient temperature. It is worth mentioning that often, Phalaenopsis amboinensis has surprised growers with its adaptability, thriving in conditions very different from its natural environment.
The substrate used for cultivation will be pine bark with a size of 12 – 16 mm, amended with components that help retain moisture, such as sphagnum moss, perlite, or charcoal, for better aeration of the substrate.
Watering should be abundant and frequent, considering the substrate used and the temperature, as Phalaenopsis amboinensis prefers high humidity throughout the year. It is recommended that the water used for watering be slightly warm or at room temperature. Before administering new waterings, it is recommended to observe the roots and water only when they have a silvery color. Watering should be done in the morning to allow the roots to dry before evening, when the temperature tends to drop slightly. Excess water should always be removed to prevent root rot.
Fertilizations should be done at concentrations of 25 – 50% of the dose recommended by the manufacturer, with a regular frequency, either weekly or biweekly. Fertilizations should be done after watering to avoid chemical burning of the roots.
During the winter period, it is recommended to reduce the amount of water administered, especially in cases where the temperature drops. Likewise, fertilization should be stopped during this period. Repotting should be done when new root growth is observed, with repotting frequency being approximately every 2 – 3 years. If root system problems are noticed, immediate repotting is recommended.
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