🌳 Description
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Scientific name: Phalaenopsis bellina (jiaho tricolor x almost whole red)
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Family: Orchidaceae
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Genus: Phalaenopsis
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Origins: Phalaenopsis bellina is native to Borneo; this plant is derived from a cross between two selections of the species.
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Home use: Ornamental orchid for a bright, sheltered environment. Avoid cold drafts, intense direct sunlight, and placement near heat sources.
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Key features: Intraspecific cross between the Phalaenopsis bellina selections listed as “jiaho tricolor” and “almost whole red”. The species is known for its fragrant flowers. The characteristics of the parent plants may vary between individual specimens.
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Fragrance: Yes, fragrant flowers.
🌞 Light exposure
Prefer indirect, diffused light near a bright window. Screen out intense direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Monitor the plant as the seasons change: a suitable position in winter may receive too much sun in summer. Increase light gradually, avoiding sudden moves into full sun.
🚿 Watering
Water regularly based on the actual moisture of the growing medium, allowing water to drain away completely. Young plants should be checked frequently, avoiding both prolonged dehydration and a constantly saturated growing medium.
Do not leave water in the heart of the plant, and do not water more often just because the surface appears dry: also check the inside of the container.
🌡️ Minimum tolerable temperature and growing temperature
Maintain warm, stable conditions, free from cold drafts. Growing conditions should support steady root growth, avoiding sudden drops in temperature.
Young plants from a recent deflask require particular attention to the balance of humidity, temperature, and ventilation. Do not subject them to heat stress to stimulate flowering.
🌱 Growing medium and repotting
Use an airy growing medium for epiphytic orchids, based on bark or sphagnum moss managed without excess water. Repot when the medium breaks down, generally every 1–2 years, preferably during an active growth phase.
The container must allow drainage and not be disproportionate to the root system. During repotting, remove broken-down material without damaging healthy roots.
🌿 Fertilization
During growth, use a diluted orchid fertilizer, alternating periodically with plain water. Reduce applications when growth slows.
Do not increase the concentration to compensate for slow growth: light, temperature, and root health must be adequate before intensifying fertilization.
✂️ Pruning or other recommended horticultural treatments
Remove completely dry stems with clean tools. Keep healthy roots and leaves; avoid cutting green parts unnecessarily.
💧 Ambient humidity
Maintain moderate ambient humidity and good ventilation, without leaving standing water in the heart of the plant.
Young plants from a recent deflask.
The dimensions are purely indicative and refer to an adult plant.