Phalaenopsis pallens

Species Name: Phalaenopsis pallens

Subgenus: Polychilos | Section: Amboinenses
Care Group: See Phalaenopsis Orchid Care

Habitat of Phalaenopsis pallens & Inferred Cultural Tips

Elevation: 0-500m
Distribution: Philippines (Luzon)
Other Phalaenopsis species from this area: schilleriana, amabilis, philippinensis, sanderiana, stuartiana, micholitzii, hieroglyphica, fasciata, mariae, reichenbachiana, pulchra, bastianii, equestris
Temperature: Hot Grower (Ultra Lowland) (Days: 29-35C, Nights: 21-24C)
Seasonal Variation: Yes – Dry, Cool, & Bright Winters

Flowering Habit of Phalaenopsis pallens

Spike Initiation: Fall – Spikes initate during cool temps
Bloom Time: Winter (January in Northern hemisphere)
Fragrant: No

Phalaenopsis pallens Care

This charming yellow phal comes from the Luzon area of the Philippines. Its compact size and free-flowering nature makes it a desirable species. Phal pallens has a tendency to create keikis and form large groups of connected plants if the temperatures are warm. If temps do not exceed around 28C, keiki production does not seem to happen—at least in my experience. In nature this plant grows at low elevation and reportedly requires high humidity; however, under my care they do very well with low humidity (30-50%) much like a “regular grocery store phal” and are less fussy than other “novelty type phals” that include violacea or bellina. The plant can tolerate a cool winter temperature (down to 16C) and a slight winter cooling like this may help increase flower count.

Culture & Watering: My pallens gets watered weekly but the potting media is dry by the time I water again. It responds well to distinct but short wet and dry cycles. Ideally, you want to water when the roots in the pot are fully silver and dry. For potting mix, something chunky but slightly water retentive should work. I prefer a mix of bark, perlite and sphagnum moss with about 20-30% being sphagnum.