Phalaenopsis speciosa var imperatrix
 

This is the solid red colour variety of speciosa. Took the flowers 8 months to develop from the start of a spike... a test of patience for sure but totally worth it!! Notice in pics the flared hood above the anther cap and the tough ball of white hair on tip of lip, distinguishable features of this species.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d7688d307a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a8b10371c6.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a15f52ee5f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0bfb9334b1.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8a199ef1a4.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4aadb3bcbf.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1f6f6b4260.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...091d252047.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7bb35208a1.jpg






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great growing, and what a spectacular flower! Congratulations. Gotta get one of these....

Wowza, Leslie! Your whole collection seems to be blooming. This is a gem!

Thanks JK and Dolly. It is quite a charming species. You gotta have one JK!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am not a big fan of most phals.... BUT this one was love at first sight. I simply think it's spectacular and yours is truly beautiful.

Superb orchid culture...WTG!

How does speciosa culture differ from other species? Is it grown similarly to amboinensis, bellina, violacea?

Thanks all! This species has a nice appeal! The contrast between the red tepals with the white hairy lip is striking. Culture is same as violacea. I grow mine along with the violacea indigos with 18C nights...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Gorgeous

Wonderful, Leslie! Do you happen to know the origin/history of this individual?