Vivi's Orchid Corner

September 2005 - Volume 10, Issue 9

Paraphalaenopsis

Dear Orchid Friends:

These are fascinating little orchids! Hailing from Borneo, Paraphalaenopsis are warm loving orchids. Adequate moisture and high humidity are essential to their growth. They are relatives of the Phalaenopsis orchids; however, their appearance is markedly different. A few named species include: Paraphalaenopsis denevei, Paraphalaenopsis labukensis, Paraphalaenopsis laycockii, and Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua. Each of these varieties has a slightly different flower.

These remarkable orchids have terete leaves - pencil shaped - and the teretes grow downward or pendulously. The teretes originate from a central core and grow to lengths of nearly 2 feet. Paraphalaenopsis do well mounted on cork or bark, especially since their teretes hang downward. Water well and frequently!

Paraphalaenopsis are not the showiest of orchids, but their uncommon shape seems perfect for summer time blooming. Flowers are clustered and bloom on short stems near the base of the plant. Flower colors generally range from yellow-brownish hues to yellow with pinkish tones.

Paraphalaenopsis Sunny has pale yellow flowers with cream colored edges. Petals and sepals are wavy and curl backward away from the center of the flower. The lip is three lobed which is a distinct characteristic. The mid lobe is narrower and more elongated than other sections of the tri-lobed lip. The lip lobes are crimson in color with a goldenrod center in the lip.

Paraphalaenopsis do well in South Florida; hot, very humid and the air is dense. I like these orchids. They are exotic in appearance and are an interesting conversation piece due to their unusual shape. Blooming during the summer adds that little extra pizzazz for the summer months.

Until next time,

Vivi