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Phalaenopsis Orchid
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Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NamePhalaenopsis Orchid
DescriptionPopular and easy-to-grow orchid with elegant, moth-like flowers on gracefully arching stems, blooming for months at a time. Flowers come in vast array of colors including white, pink, purple, yellow, and multicolors with stripes, spots, or veining patterns. Native to Southeast Asia, these low-maintenance orchids thrive in typical home conditions, making them perfect for beginners and the most widely sold orchid worldwide.
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusPhalaenopsis
TribeVandeae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula↓ ⚥ P3+3 A1 G(3)

Zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), Bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (3 sepals + 3 petals, one petal modified into labellum/lip), 1 stamen fused with style into column, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features
  • Etymology: Genus name 'Phalaenopsis' from Greek 'phalaina' (moth) and 'opsis' (appearance), describing moth-like flowers. About 60-70 Phalaenopsis species, countless hybrids. Called 'Moth Orchid' for flowers resembling moths in flight. Most popular orchid genus for home growing. Extensively hybridized for color, size, and ease of care
  • Unique Characteristics: Flowers 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) across, flat, symmetrical with broad petals and sepals. Distinctive lip (labellum) often with contrasting colors or patterns. Blooms last 2-6 months on plant, individual flowers 4-12 weeks. Arching flower spikes 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) long with 5-20+ flowers. Monopodial growth (single upward stem). Thick, silvery-green aerial roots. No pseudobulbs. Can rebloom from old spikes. Produces keikis (plantlets) for easy propagation
  • Plant Type & Blooming: Epiphytic evergreen perennial orchid. Blooms any time of year, most commonly winter-spring (December-May). Triggered by temperature drop (55-60°F/13-16°C nights for 4-6 weeks). Flowers last 2-6 months. Can bloom 1-2 times per year. Some varieties bloom continuously. Reblooms from nodes on old spikes if cut above node
  • Size, Lifespan & Propagation: Height: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) foliage, flower spikes 12-36 inches (30-90 cm). Miniatures: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm). Spread: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm). Lifespan: 10-20+ years, some decades. Propagation: keikis (plantlets on spikes or nodes), division (rare), tissue culture. Slow to moderate growth. First bloom 2-3 years from keiki, 3-5 years from seedling
  • Native Region & Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia including Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, southern China, India, and northern Australia. Grows in tropical and subtropical rainforests at elevations sea level to 4,000 feet (1,200 m). Found epiphytically on tree branches in shaded, humid forest understory. Some species lithophytic (growing on rocks)
  • Climate & Growing Conditions: Thrives in bright indirect light (1,000-2,000 foot-candles), east or west window ideal. No direct sun (burns leaves). Warm temperatures: 70-80°F (21-27°C) days, 60-65°F (15-18°C) nights. Humidity: 50-70%. Water when bark mix nearly dry (every 7-10 days), avoid overwatering. Grow in coarse bark mix in clear pots (monitor roots). Fertilize weekly with diluted orchid fertilizer. Needs temperature drop (55-60°F/13-16°C nights) for 4-6 weeks to trigger blooming. Very adaptable to home conditions

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificPhalaenopsis
English (Alternate)Moth Orchid, Moon Orchid, and Butterfly Orchid
Hindiफलेनोप्सिस ऑर्किड (Phalenopsis Orkiḍ), पतंगा ऑर्किड (Pataṅgā Orkiḍ)
Tamilஅந்துப்பூச்சி ஆர்க்கிட் (Antuppūcci Ārkiṭ)
Teluguచిమ్మట ఆర్కిడ్ (Chimmaṭa Ārikiḍ)
Malayalamശലഭം ഓർക്കിഡ് (Śalabhaṁ Ōrkiḍ)
Kannadaಚಿಟ್ಟೆ ಆರ್ಕಿಡ್ (Ciṭṭe Ārkiḍ)
Sanskritपतङ्गपुष्पम् (Pataṅgapuṣpam)
Bengaliফ্যালেনোপসিস অর্কিড (Phyālenōpasisa arkiḍa), পতঙ্গ অর্কিড (Pataṅga arkiḍa)
Frenchorchidée papillon
Russianфаленопсис (falenopsis)
Spanishorquídea mariposa, orquídea polilla
GermanSchmetterlingsorchidee, Malaienblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.