Orchid phalaenopsis — classic mug

Phalaenopsis 'Yu-Pin Sweety'

Phalaenopsis 'Yu-Pin Sweety'

Phalaenopsis, Polish for moth - belongs to a genus of plants in the orchid family. They naturally occur in Southeast Asia - from India, through Japan, to the Philippines and northern Australia. The origin indicates the conditions these orchids prefer - warm places with high humidity.

Phalenopsis orchids are mostly epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, mainly in the treetops, but are not parasitoids. Over the past few decades, these exotic beauties have become some of the most popular potted plants, because they are quite easy to grow and grow well in a home environment.

The phalenopsis genus varies greatly in size - from a few centimeter plants to several meters long. The greatest decoration is the flowers, which come in many colors, monochromatic, as well as hybrids with extremely interesting, patterns, the leathery green leaves are also beautiful.

Phalaenopsis are a grateful object of interest to breeders, because they cross very easily with other types of orchids. In the 1980s, breeders in Taiwan combined several varieties of phalenopsis derived from P gigantea, P amboinensis and P lueddemanniana, so a hybrid with intense colors and irregular spots called Golden Peoker was created. Another mutation brought an even more interesting effect of random spots, which initiated a new species, Harleqiun, which became the base for creating mottled hybrids, such as 'Yu-Pin Sweety'. This is a rather rare variety, where each flower has its own unique pattern of pink spots on the edges of the perianth leaves.

Phalaenopsis orchids prefer bright sites with diffused light, but without prolonged direct sunlight. An eastern or western exposure is optimal. In summer the best temperature for orchids is about 23˚C, in winter about 15˚C. Harleqiun varieties require a slightly higher temperature.