The genus Phalaenopsis was first recognized by the Dutch
botanist Blume in 1825. Today, Phalaenopsis are one of the top ten potted
plants in cultivation. Their showy blooms that last for weeks and the
relative ease of growing them indoors makes them a prize plant for any
household. Although they have been exploited by the horticultural industry
for two centuries, there is very little information on the natural habit of
these plants. Common Name or Meaning refers to being similar to a moth.
This is a vandaceous genus comprised of 50, mostly epiphytic and some
lithophytic species spread throughout most all of Asia east of India and the
Pacific to the Philippines and south to Australia. Phalaenopsis Rendezvous, a
deep pink hybrid. The identifying features are, darker veining covering
sepals and petals and vibrantly rich red lip. This orchid usually blooms two
or three times during the year. Another beautiful hybrid is Redfan ‘Grazia’,
which is white, with a red lip.