Plant DetailShow Menu

Phalaenopsis equestris has some common insect problems:
Hemispherical Scale
Greenhouse Thrips
Boisduval Scale
Phalaenopsis equestris has some common disease problems:
Botrytis Blight of Greenhouse Ornamentals
Phalaenopsis equestris has some other problems:
False Spider Mites

Phalaenopsis equestris

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
fay-lay-NOP-sis e-KWESS-triss
Description

This moth orchid species is an epiphytic, tropical herbaceous perennial. It is a member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Its natural distribution is from Taiwan through the Philippines. The meaning of the epithet is horseman or equestrian, but the reason for bestowing this name was not explained. 

Like other moth orchids, this species requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and indirect light or dappled shade. 

This moth orchid is a dwarf species that has small, pink to rose-purple flowers on panicles. The sepals and petals of this species are similar in size and shape, and the lip is prominent and spade-shaped. Numerous varieties and forms have been described, but they are all treated as synonyms of the species. One variant of the species has white flowers with yellow lips.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Phalaenopsis.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
 
Phalaenopsis equestris var. Rosea
Flower Sunoochi CC BY 2.0
Phalaenopsis equestris
Flower and Leaves Sunoochi CC BY 2.0
Form
Form Kroton CC BY 3.0
Flowers
Flowers Maja Dumat CC BY 2.0
Flower and Leaves
Flower and Leaves Virentia CC BY-SA 3.0
Flower
Flower AtonX CC BY-SA 3.0
Flowers
Flowers sunoochi CC BY 2.0
Flower
Flower snotch CC BY 2.0
Flower
Flower sunoochi CC BY 2.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Phalaenopsis
    Species:
    equestris
    Family:
    Orchidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    S. Taiwan (Hsiao, Lan Yü) to Philippines
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
  • Cultural Conditions:
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Green
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leathery
    Rubbery
    Smooth
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Specimen