Project 2021: Phalaenopsis deliciosa

[neophyte]

I have repotted my P. deliciosa into a sphagnum/perlite mix and fertilized. It's currently sitting in a partially sealed container with a bit of water at the bottom to increase humidity.

Let's see those new arrivals everyone!

[3rdMaestro]

My plant has come in today. It has that same funny looking leaf that Neophyte pointed out. But the topmost leaves seem good. Roots seem good. Also... This guy is way tinier than I expected. Here's some pics.






My finger for size reference too

[neophyte]

Yeah, it is a lot smaller than I expected it to be... I guess those leaves are a sign that the plant might be trying to enter dormancy and dropping some leaves; maybe these are sect. Aphyllae?

---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:55 PM ----------

The subsp. hookeriana seedling also just arrived by the way!! It arrived here within a day. Kudos to insituorchids!

Here is a picture:



Its upper leaves are honestly around the same size as the ssp. deliciosa from the other ebay vendor, but the lower leaves are definitely smaller, so I think this one may really be younger than the other one. Luckily this one doesn't seem to be entering dormancy.

---------- Post added at 07:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:59 PM ----------

Yeah I agree that the roots on the one from Austin Creek are in good condition, which is nice; I will chuck the ssp. hookeriana in moss as well soon and simultaneously check on the roots.

By the way, Mr. Fakename and anyone else, when do sect. Aphyllae species enter dormancy? When it's cooler and drier? Would keeping it moister and warmer help it stay out of dormancy?

---------- Post added at 07:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 PM ----------

Okay, well I searched and it might be in its own section lol (Deliciosae) within the subgenus Parishianae. Or maybe it's something else; taxonomy is confusing. They might still enter dormancy though? There is also a section Parishianae, it seems, and those species are capable of entering dormancy, I think...

In any case, it seems a lot of these less commonly seen Phalaenopsis species don't like to hold onto too many leaves at once...

---------- Post added at 08:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:48 PM ----------

Update: just repotted the ssp. hookeriana; the roots were nice and healthy and green and had little pale actively growing tips! I'm very happy.

I'm a tiny bit worried that the medium is a bit too moisture-retaining; it's mostly sphag with just a bit of fine perlite thrown in; do y'all think I should have added in some fine bark or the like to increase aeration?

[3rdMaestro]

I'm planning to repot mine tomorrow into a half and half mix of sphag and bark. Its sort of an unknown for me but I guess that's the thrill of projects! We get to compare results

[DirtyCoconuts]

I got mine. She’s itty bitty lol. Already mounted but more tied to a shingle lol

Lots to figure out

[Mr.Fakename]

Originally Posted by neophyte

when do sect. Aphyllae species enter dormancy? When it's cooler and drier? Would keeping it moister and warmer help it stay out of dormancy?

In any case, it seems a lot of these less commonly seen Phalaenopsis species don't like to hold onto too many leaves at once...

Yeah taxonomy in Phalaenopsis is a nightmare, for what realistically represents a small number of species...

Phalaenopsis deliciosa was a member of the Deliciosae section, part of the Phalaenopsis subgenus under Christenson's classification system (2001).

Cribb & Schuiteman rechanged the classification in 2013/2014, and it's now the Kew approved, official version.
Now the Deliciosae are part of the Parishianae subgenus. Which also contains a Parishianae section.


Species in the Parishianae subgenus can be deciduous, but in culture dormancy doesn't happen - unless you induce it.

Plants will be triggered into winter rest by shorter days (but more light, because trees shed their leaves and don't protect the Phal from sun anymore), much cooler temperatures (0 to 10°C isn't rare), and lack of rain (there's still dew and RH stays around 60-70%).

If you keep them relatively warm, bright and don't cut watering, they'll keep growing all year round.

[DirtyCoconuts]

awesome info fakename!


here is my new friend...freshly watered.

i have her in quite low light mostly bc it is the closest area to my door so i see it the most

small but mighty


Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr

[SADE2020]

Hello!!!

I got my Deliciosa today , but a very adult plant that has flowered before. With some damages leaves and with a repot me sign all over.

It might bloom soon for the stress I have never received a plant in that condition from other vendor.

[DirtyCoconuts]

that's like 5 times the size of my plant!!! wow

[camille1585]

What a great looking plant, it's huge! I talked myself out of ordering there (or one from Germany) because I didn't want to pay high shipping costs. I got a seedling of var. hookeriana, but now I'm seriously tempted to get a big o e from the same vendor as you.