Phalaenopsis wilsonii

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Family: Orchidaceae

Countries: Asia, China, Yunnan

Phalaenopsis wilsonii is a miniature orchid species that’s endemic to Yunnan, in China.  Plants from this versatile orchid species are capable of growing as an epiphyte – when they grow upon trees, or as a lithophyte – when the plants grow over rocks.  This miniature Phalaenopsis species has formed small colonies of plants, within the wooded and forested areas of South West China.

In this orchid species’ natural environment – in the wild – Phalaenopsis wilsonii grows as a deciduous orchid species.  However, most plants that are grown in cultivation, receive regular waterings and enjoy improved growing conditions from that of their wild relations; so these cultivated Phalaenopsis wilsonii plants usually hold on to their leaves, throughout the winter months. 

Although, I must say that Phalaenopsis wilsonii is not a leafy plant; healthy, mature specimens hold only a sparse selection of leaves, at the best of times.  This orchid species produces a large amount of roots, which both sustain the plant and anchor it in place. 

If your Phalaenopsis wilsonii plant does drop its leaves, there’s no need to panic – there’s a very good chance that your plant is well and your plant’s leaves will grow back.  If your plant has lost its leaves, keep your plant in a very humid environment, where your plant can enjoy indirect light.  Take care to lightly mist your plant regularly, but ensure that you allow your plant’s roots to dry out, between each misting.  Don’t fertilise your plant, unless you can see that it is actively growing.  This might be an opportunity to give your plant cooler drier season to simulate the arrival of autumn or winter and encourage your plant to bloom.

Phalaenopsis wilsonii produces up to six, beautiful, rose pink flowers on each of its flowering stems.  To stimulate flowering, the plants require a drier autumn-winter rest period, with cooler temperatures. 

This orchid species is from Yunnan, in China.  The dry season in Yunnan begins in November and lasts through until April.  The sunshine tends to be bright and intense during this drier period, but the night time temperatures drop dramatically, especially during the coldest time, which is usually from November to February.  The rainy season arrives in Yunnan, in May and lasts through until October; although the rainiest period is from June until August.  Summer day time temperatures in Yunnan, reach 20-25C (68-77F); the temperatures fall to around 15-17C (59-63F) at night.  While in winter, Yunnan’s daytime temperatures reach around 15-20C (59-68F) and night time temperatures range from 5-15C (41-59F).  

I’d say that the minimum temperature for cultivated Phalaenopsis wilsonii plants would be around 5-10C (41-50F).  You don’t want to stress your plant too much.  It’s important to give a distinct difference in the plant’s night time temperature, but there’s no need to go overboard.  

I’ve found that Phalaenopsis wilsonii plants favour growing in areas that enjoy intermediate to warm temperatures.  Like many orchids, Phalaenopsis wilsonii plants favour growing in terrariums or enclosures that enjoy humid conditions.  Phalaenopsis wilsonii plants flourish in areas where the plants enjoy bright, filtered light.  

To see photographs of this Phalaenopsis wilsonii specimen in bloom, inside my Orchidarium, and discover more about this plant’s flowering, please click here.

To head straight to the next update that shows this same Phalaenopsis wilsonii specimen, at the plant’s next flowering, please click here.

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