Botanical species occurring on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in Borneo, where it inhabits low altitude areas, between 0 and 100 m, Phalaenopsis speciosa is also known under the following synonyms: Phalaenopsis speciosa subvar. christiana (Rchb.f.) A.H.Kent 1891; Phalaenopsis speciosa subvar. imperatrix (Rchb.f.) A.H.Kent 1891; Phalaenopsis speciosa var. christiana Rchb.f 1882; Phalaenopsis speciosa var. imperatrix Rchb.f. 1882; Phalaenopsis speciosa var. maculata Gower 1890; Polychilos speciosa (Rchb. f.) Shim 1982.
It stands out by its medium size, approximately 15 – 20 cm in height, and the abundance of flower stems, numbering 2 – 5, which emerge laterally on the short stems, from the axils of the upper leaves in the area of insertion of the flat roots. The leaves, numbering 5 – 9, ovate to obovate-lanceolate, 10 - 25 cm long, with a narrowed base, have a slightly acuminate tip. The racemose or paniculate stems, arcuate, subpendant, longer than the leaves, often exceeding 25 cm, bear numerous impressive flowers, 4 – 5 cm in diameter, waxy, fragrant, with subtle notes. The flower color is subject to remarkable variability, potentially showing purple, red, pink, white areas, or combinations of these colors. Flowering most frequently occurs from late spring to early winter.
There are numerous award-winning cultivars, especially recently, when this species began to capture the interest of hybridizers due to the high variability of floral coloration. Among these, we mention: Phal. speciosa var. christiana 'Magnifico' (2 awards in 2010) Phal. speciosa var. christiana 'Jennifer Weseloh' (2015) Phal. speciosa 'Jiaho Coffee' (2014) Phal. speciosa 'Struber Pinky' (2014) Phal. speciosa 'Gig' (2013) Phal. speciosa var. christiana 'Crystelle' (2013) Phal. speciosa 'Jiaho Red Ball' (2012) Phal. speciosa var. christiana 'C 1' (2011) Phal. speciosa 'Orchidglade' (1960)
The growing conditions for this species are identical to those of the species Phalaenopsis tetraspis, which inhabit the same ecosystems as Phalaenopsis speciosa.
Update: Phalaenopsis speciosa has been merged with Phalaenopsis tetraspis. The two names are now considered synonyms.
Light radiation should be in the partial shade range, with values of 18000 – 22000 lux, with an ideal photoperiod of 12 hours daily. Irrigation will be applied weekly, and fertilization will take place every third watering.
The temperature can be constant throughout the year, with 22 - 28 ℃ during the day and 18 – 22 ℃ at night. It is ideal to ensure a difference of 3 – 4 ℃ between night and day temperatures for successful flowering.
Cultivation can be done in the classic system, in perforated plastic or ceramic pots, with medium-sized pine bark (2 – 4 cm), in which case an atmospheric humidity of 55 – 60% will be ensured. If the cultivation system with bare roots on plaques is chosen, humidity will need to be increased to 70% and a small amount of sphagnum moss will be placed under the roots to maintain moisture.
Irrigation should be applied only after the substrate has dried, at intervals of about one week or more, paying special attention to water that may stagnate between leaves and cause fungal and bacterial diseases. Fertilization can be applied every third watering, at 50% dilutions of the concentrations indicated by the manufacturer.
The species does not require a resting period to trigger flowering, but it is stimulated by sudden temperature differences between day and night.
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