Species Phalaenopsis

[Chlorophile]

Is there any kind of care requirement difference between a species phalaenopsis and a hybrid? I like the look of the species like schilleriana more than some of the hybrids I am seeing.

[Bulbopedilum]

Check them out on IOSPE (orchidspecies.com) or just google them. Care differs from species to species. Some are cold growers (ex. Phalaenopsis taenialis) and some are hot growers (ex. Phalaenopsis amabilis).

[camille1585]

As mentioned, it depends on the species. But many of them are warm growers. If you can already provide somewhat warm and humid conditions for your hybrid Phals, many species should do fine.

Contrary to the hybrids which benefit from hybrid vigor and can adapt to a lot of variation in growing conditions, some species can be a bit more difficult. E.g. some really seem to do better mounted, some need more light than hybrids in order to bloom, others are considered difficult because they need very specific conditions.

That being said, research the ones that you like, and if they seem compatible with your conditions, go for it! Phal schilleriana is a relatively easy and forgiving species to grow. Other easy species (in my experience) are Phal stuartiana, equestris, mannii, lueddemanniana, pallens, venosa.

You can look into primary hybrids as well, there are a lot of gorgeous crosses that are relatively easy to grow in standard hybrid Phal conditions.

[estación seca]

Pay attention to temperature requirements. Most Phals are warm-growing plants, especially many species. Cool winter homes are not a happy situation for them.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

There's not much of a difference in cultural requirements. The one that stands out is that depending on the species, temperature tolerance for temperatures below 60 F are not tolerated well for those species that originate in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Generally speaking, those species that are native to countries such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, or Thailand seem to tolerate slightly lower temperatures, (55 F), and seem to have a tolerance for a wider temperature range. (Disclaimer: Be aware of outliers.)

Phalaenopsis appendiculata, in my experience is best grown mounted. Species such as Phalaenopsis braceana, Phalaenopsis wilsonii, Phalaenopsis lowii, and some of the other "leafless", (they're not truly leafless, their leaves are greatly reduced and they can become deciduous and it can be perfectly normal depending on the context of the situation), species of Phalaenopsis are best grown mounted. Most others can be grown potted.

Mottled leaf Phals also usually generally tend to have higher light requirements than the non-mottled leaf species. (Disclaimer: Be aware of outliers.)

Growing species Phalaenopsis is not necessarily more difficult than growing a hybrid Phalaenopsis, it just may take a bit more knowledge about what their requirements are. Species orchids in general are not commercially grown and bred to be uniformly tolerant of household conditions. (Disclaimer: Be aware of outliers.)