This remarkable species is native to the Island of Sulawesi (former Celebes) in Indonesia. It is a miniature sized epiphyte with 3-5 ovoid-oblong leaves between 6-7 inches long. Phal. celebensis, while quite rare, is one of the most coveted of all the small flowered Phal. species—the only species of Phal. that has 360 degrees of circular flower arrangement. This is our new strain of Phal. celebensis—a sibling cross of two very free-flowering clones. Its dark green and silver-grey leaves are beautifully marbled. Phal. celebensis blooms in July and August on an arching, pendant, 16-inch long, many flowered inflorescence with small bracts and successively opening flowers. The flowers are 2 cm in diameter and open several at a time, starting from the base of the inflorescence. Despite its small size, this species produces multitudes of flowers on gently arching spikes. The small white flowers are delightfully peloric—its petals mimicking the boldly marked lip and displaying a central cinnamon-brown suffusion of barring. They can be grown in pots with sphagnum moss or mounted on slabs. If grown in a pot, the inflorescence may need staking to support the weight of the panicle of flowers. For best results, provide year round shady conditions, warm temperatures, and high humidity. A “must have” for the Phal. species collector. Very rewarding and very unusual.
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