Phalaenopsis micholitzii??

[Clawhammer]

I see Phal Pallens pics online with a lip that looks like yours.

[Mr.Fakename]

Originally Posted by Clawhammer

I see Phal Pallens pics online with a lip that looks like yours.

I investigated this, and found some info.

Phal pallens that have a similar lip are arguably not pallens to begin with.

The closest thing would be Phalaenopsis pallens var. trullifera, which is heavily speculated to be a natural hybrid of pallens and reichenbachiana.
It is very obvious on some pics that the plant leans towards reichenbachiana more than pallens.


Another possibility is a more complex, unintentional hybrid, because there's a lot of confusion in the history of Phal pallens.

Pallens was firstly described based on a unhealthy specimen, then described again as another species.
Then it was thought to be a natural hybrid of Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi x Phalaenopsis sumatrana.
Then it was thought to be the alba version of Phalaenopsis mariae, or simply a variety of Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana.

It is highly possible that these confusions led to weird breeding, that slowly but surely lost the real identity of pallens.
Similar situations can be seen with mariae and bastianii, violacea and bellina, or reichenbachiana and fasciata.

[isurus79]

A friend of mine pointed out that micholitzii could have contributed the lip and faded the colors a bit in the plant I've got. Seems very possible, considering the label. Honestly, I think this is most likely micholitzii x pallens (or the reverse).

[Strigeidida]

For what it's worth, micholitzii is easier to find than in the past. I would suggest trying Troy Meyers, Peter Lin of Big Leaf Orchids], Rob Shepard of Sapphire Dragon Orchids, Norman Fang of Norm Fang Orchids, aka Hobby Growing, and John Nelson of Louisiana Orchid Connection. There's always eBay, too. Species are generally the domain of the specialty growers. To meet these people, consider joining FB pages for precisely that. Most will be happy to steer you in the right direction.

[Leo H.]

@isurus79

When I saw your bloom, I immediately thought of the hybrid betwern Phal. pallens and Phal. hieroglyphica called Phal. Alensica