Phalaenopsis schilleriana

Schiller’s moth orchid, scientifically known as Phalaenopsis schilleriana, is a type of evergreen, epiphytic orchid that has semi-pendent, broadly-elliptic, fleshy leaves. The leaves are dark green with silver-grey spotted marbling on the top and purple overlay underneath, and can grow up to 45cm long and 5-7cm wide. During winter and spring, the plant produces rose-pink flowers that are 5-9cm across, with a purple or yellow lip, in branching racemes. If grown in optimal conditions, the plant can produce up to 250 flowers on stems that are 90-100cm long. Mounted plants will develop a more pendulous habit.

Phal. schilleriana is considered an easy species orchid to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It has low light requirements, making it suitable for windowsill and under-lights growers. The choice of potting media varies depending on the climate and growing conditions. For example, northern growers prefer a moisture-retaining mix such as peat-based "mud mixes" or medium fir bark, while southern growers tend toward coarser potting media like medium fir bark or coconut husk chunks often amended with additives like diatomite, sponge rock, or chunky peat.

Phalaenopsis orchids can be grown in plastic or clay pots, but clay pots are better for hot environments as they have moisture evaporative qualities that keep roots a little cooler. Hanging pots are also suitable for Phalaenopsis orchids as they allow the leaves to droop naturally, which helps to avoid crown rot. The light conditions for Phalaenopsis orchids should generally be quite shady with no direct sunlight, but Schiller’s moth orchid and its close relative, Phal. stuartiana, seem to tolerate a little brighter conditions, especially if there is a fan nearby.

To keep the plants in prime condition, it is important not to subject them to temperatures lower than 60 °F. Cooler night temperatures in the fall (55 °F) are needed to initiate flower spikes. The fertilizer regimen for Phalaenopsis orchids should be the same as for other orchids: weakly weekly, cut back to twice a month in winter.

This is a blooming size in a 3" pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!