The Horse Phalaenopsis Phalaenopsis equestris
- Phonetic Spelling
- fay-lay-NOP-sis e-KWESS-triss
- Description
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Phalaenopsis
- Species:
- equestris
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- S. Taiwan (Hsiao, Lan YĆ¼) to Philippines
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
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Cultural Conditions:
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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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
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Leathery
- Rubbery
- Smooth
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Specimen