We are excited to introduce this extraordinary, new, strain of Phal. bellina from our own line breeding. Our awarded clone ‘Montclair’ received an Award of Merit (AM) from the American Orchid Society (AOS) on a first bloom seedling with a compact growth habit. We paired it with the clone ‘Red Apple’, which has good red color.
Phal. bellina was originally called Phal. violacea var. Borneo, however it has since been moved into its own species due to differences in habitat and plant morphology. Phal. bellina is native to Malaysia and Borneo. It grows in shady, humid, lowland and swampy riverine forests at elevations up to 656 feet (200 meters). It is a small sized, hot growing, pendant growing epiphyte carrying pendulous, broad, rounded, light green, 6-inch long leaves. Phal. bellina blooms summer through fall on a 2.75 inch long inflorescence with 2 - 3 highly fragrant flowers open one at a time. The flowers are long lasting and waxy, measuring about 1.5 - 2 inches in diameter.
The result of this line breeding has been truly remarkable, having deeper color, species vigor, compact round leaves for type of breeding; and extremely fragrant, waxy, long-lasting, flowers borne sequentially on compact spikes for months beginning in early summer, the flower spikes cascading gently over broad gracefully undulating leaves. It has a multiple spike habit which means old spikes remain green and continue to bloom in addition to creating new spikes each year, so don’t remove them until they have turned brown and dry. Phal. bellina thrives in warm to hot temperatures, bright light, high humidity, good air circulation, regular watering and fertilizing. Can be grown on a bright windowsill or under lights. Excellent for growing outdoors in hot and humid climates. Can be grown potted or mounted. Will need more frequent watering if mounted as it tends to dry quicker. Let dry slightly between thorough watering. It prefers consistent warm to hot temperatures year round and does not need a winter rest. Highly recommended for lovers of fragrant orchids and the species collector, and would be a welcome addition to collection or any novelty Phal breeding program. Look for many awards from this exciting new strain.
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a seedling population (not a mericlone which produces exact duplicates), the picture is for illustration purposes only. No two plants will be the same from this cross, and they will flower in a range of possibilities coming from the two parents.
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