Help IDing orchid

[MaddieElyze]

I am very fond of this orchid- its one my mom had when I was growing up that she gave me last year to baby. I suspect it got a sunburn because the leaves are scarred and look leathery no matter how careful I am with water (the Florida sun can be brutal...). It doesn't have a lot of roots either so the poor thing has been through a lot. Last week I noticed it has a tiny basal keiki (my first!) which is exciting, but I know it can be a sign of stress so I'm keeping an eye on it. The new leaf looks lovely and shiny though so I'm hoping it's rounding a corner.

Does anyone know what it might be? I've never seen a phal that looks like this. It has really dark green leaves with a lot of purple on them. I keep it in a bright but shaded area with other phals that are a much brighter green so it's not lack of light. I know there's natural variation in leaf color and I have other orchids that get a little purple in bright light (especially ones with purple or red flowers), but this one is really extreme. The flower spike is so purple it almost looks black and the bottom of the new leaf is a deep iridescent purple in person, it's really beautiful. The flowers aren't dark either- I'll attach a photo from the last time it bloomed.

I'd love to know what it is since it's so special. My mom has no idea, she isn't the type to keep tags, especially not for as long as she's had it.

[MrHappyRotter]

It's a NOID Phalaenopsis.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

There's no way to tell what it is. Thousands of different hybrids look just like that.

Phals are shade plants. Especially in a hot southern place like Florida, it's better never to let direct sun fall on them.

It appears to be potted in sphagnum moss. That is fine; lots of people use it successfully. But it doesn't last more than 2-3 years before breaking down. When did you last repot?

There is a great thread here on Orchid Board dealing with Phal care. From the left yellow menu select Forums, then Beginners. Near the top is a sticky thread, The Phal abuse ends here.

[Mountaineer370]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! You have a nice Phalaenopsis with pretty flowers, all the more special because of its history with your family. Stick around, ask questions, and definitely read the thread suggested above.