A botanical species found 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 is distinguished by its medium size, approximately 15 – 20 cm in height, and the abundance of floral stems, numbering 2 – 5, which emerge laterally on the short stems from the axils of the upper leaves in the area where the flat roots are inserted. The leaves, numbering 5 – 9, ovate to obovate-lanceolate, 10 - 25 cm long, with a narrowed base, have a slightly pointed tip. The racemose or paniculate stems, curved and slightly drooping, 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 highly variable, potentially showing purple, red, pink, white areas, or combinations of these colors. Flowering most often occurs from late spring to early winter.
There are numerous award-winning cultivars, especially recently, as this species has begun to attract 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 Phalaenopsis tetraspis species, 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 range of partial shade, with values of 18000 – 22000 lux, with an ideal photoperiod of 12 hours daily. Watering should be done weekly, and fertilization 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% should be ensured. If opting for the cultivation system on slabs, with bare roots, humidity will need to be increased to 70% and a small amount of sphagnum moss will be placed under the roots to maintain moisture.
Watering should only be done after the substrate has dried, at intervals of about a week or more, paying special attention to water that can stagnate between leaves and cause fungal and bacterial diseases. Fertilization can be applied every third watering, at 50% dilution of the concentrations indicated by the manufacturer.
The species does not require a rest period to trigger flowering, but it is stimulated by sudden temperature differences between day and night.
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