Phalaenopsis amabilis at E.O.C. – London – 2003

First made known to science in 1750 when Rumphius described it as Angraecum album majus. A species from Amboina Isle.>  Was also found in Java by P. Osbeck when travelling back from an expedition in China during 1752.  Carl von Linne then named it Epidendrum amabile.   It was transferred to the new genus Phalaenopsis by C.L.Blume in 1825 and must be considered one of the earliest; if not the first of this genus known.

It is somewhat variable in size and colour since some clones have a very delicate pinkish suffusion on the rear of the milky white petals & sepals; lip is white, callus is golden yellow, it is fragrant & long lasting. Will grow happily when mounted or potted in a warm, airy, humid atmosphere when given partial shade. When potted  an open compost with a water retentive element is necessary.   Will survive in the average centrally heated home provided a microclimate to give humidity is provided.   Keep roots moist.