🌳 Description:

• Family: Orchidaceae

• Genus: Phalaenopsis

• Group: Aphyllae (deciduous or semi-deciduous species)

• Home use: Botanical orchid of great interest to collectors, suitable for experienced growers; it captivates with its marked vegetative cycle and flowering that often emerges before or during the regrowth of leaves

• Flowering: Seasonal, typically in winter-spring; flowers appear on the stem while the plant is still dormant or awakening vegetatively

🌞 Light exposure: Medium-high, indirect and diffused light during the growing season. In winter, during dormancy, light is less critical. Avoid direct sun during the middle of the day.

🚿 Watering: Highly seasonal. During active growth (summer): water regularly when the substrate is almost dry. In autumn, gradually reduce. In winter, during complete dormancy: almost entirely suspend watering, maintaining only a light moisture to prevent root desiccation. Gradually resume with the spring awakening.

🌡️ Minimum tolerable temperature and growing temperature: Cool-intermediate range cultivation: summer daytime temperature 22–28 °C, nighttime 15–18 °C. In winter, during dormancy, they tolerate low temperatures: minimum 13 °C. Winter cold is essential to stimulate flowering. Avoid excessive heat in summer.

🌱 Soil type and repotting: Very well-draining substrate: fine bark, perlite or mounting on a support (cork or wood plank) to promote rapid root drying. Repot every 2 years or when the substrate deteriorates, preferably at the end of dormancy, before the vegetative awakening.

🌿 Fertilization: Fertilize only during the active growing season (spring-summer), every 2 weeks with a balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength. Completely suspend fertilization during winter dormancy.

✂️ Pruning or other recommended agronomic treatments: Remove the spent flower stem at the base after flowering. Remove dry leaves at the end of the season with sterilized tools. The winter dormancy period with cold and dryness is essential: do not attempt to keep the plant growing all year round.

💧 Ambient humidity: During growth: ideal humidity 60–75%. During winter dormancy: lower humidity (40–50%) to simulate natural dry season conditions. Always ensure excellent ventilation, which is essential for this group.

The dimensions are purely indicative and are intended for an adult plant.

Remember that the plant belongs to the Aphyllae Phalaenopsis section, so it may not have leaves at the time of purchase!

Young plants from Deflask.