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Phalaenopsis Yellow Lightning gx

RHS Plant Profile
moth orchid Yellow Lightning gx

Synonyms

Phalaenopsis Papagayo
Phalaenopsis Bee Sting

Houseplants Conservatory Greenhouse

Evergreen, epiphytic orchids, with fleshy, broadly oval leaves and one or more arching stems bearing yellow flowers with feathered red edges and purple centres over a long period at any time of year

Position

Partial shade

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»å
pH

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Phalaenopsis are a large genus of species and hybrid mainly epiphytic orchids. Short, upward growing, stem-like rhizomes with no pseudobulbs produce oval, fleshy mid to dark green leaves and flowers in branched racemes from the base of the leaves
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in open, bark-based, epiphytic orchid compost allowing the aerial roots to hang outside the container. Provide bright filtered light, good ventilation and, from spring to autumn, mist daily for high humidity. Water freely as compost dries out, allowing water to drain and apply an orchid fertiliser monthly. Provide a minimum day temperature of 17°C and night minimum of 15°C. See phalaenopsis cultivation

Propagation

Small plantlets (keiki) may appear from the nodes on the flower stems. Detach plantlets when they have developed several good roots and pot them up in orchid compost. Water sparingly at first, but mist them daily

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required; cut back flowered stems to a lower node to encourage further flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free