Description
Phalaenopsis hybrid | Moth Orchid Sunset Gemstone ‘Tahiti’
Phalaenopsis Orchid is an herbaceous plant from the Orchidaceae family, also commonly known as Moth Orchid, Moon Orchid, and Mariposa Orchid. It’s a hybrid that originated from Y.C.Hsiao in 2017. It’s a cross of Phalaenopsis ‘Neon Stripes’ x Phalaenopsis ‘Florian Kordowski’, originating from a cross involving P. OX Prince × P. OX Golden Star. Sunset Gemstone orchids are a popular hybrid of the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) genus, known for their beautiful, often sunset-hued colors, blending fiery oranges, yellows, and pinks.
The ‘Tahiti’ variety is highly prized and known for its warm sunset colors of peachy-orange and yellow with bright magenta on the center lip. The blooms grow on long spikes holding 6-8 flowers each which shoot up from a group of thick, olive-green leathery leaves.
Orchids are epiphytic, meaning they grow on the branches and trunks of trees in the wild. In cultivation, they are best grown in sphagnum moss or bark with plant fibers, at pH 6.5 – 7.5. If they are placed in direct sunlight the leaves will burn.
- Olive green foliage: Correct amount of light
- Dark green foliage: Not enough light (will hinder or prevent blooming)
- Red-tinged leaves: Too much light
Weakly water your orchids weekly. If grown in sphagnum moss, water less frequently. Do not allow roots to soak in water and allow the media to dry out before watering again. One may choose to put ice cubes on top of the substrate to allow the cubes to melt slowly, providing a nice drink for the plant. They actually do better with some neglect.
Add a 1/4 to 1/2 strength fertilizer mix application one or or twice a month with a soluble orchid fertilizer. Be sure to flush/water with plain water in between to prevent salt buildup.The best orchid fertilizer ratio often depends on the potting mix and growth stage:
- Balanced (e.g., 20-20-20): Good for most orchids, especially in sphagnum moss or general potting, supporting overall plant health.
- High Nitrogen (e.g., 30-10-10): Ideal for orchids in bark mixes, as bark breaks down, consuming nitrogen; this helps replenish it for the plant.
- High Phosphorus (e.g., 10-30-20): Use when you want to encourage flowering.
- Low Nitrogen/Bloom Booster (e.g., 1-0-1, 3-1-2): Some growers use these for specific needs, like delaying bloom or for water culture
Place indoors or in the shade near a window. Do not place in full sun or extended direct sunlight.
Depending on the time of year, the orchids may or may not be blooming- we will ship them in whatever state they are in.
Light requirements: Low light to indirect light
Mature height: 16-18 inches
Mature width: 24-36 inches
Hardiness zones: 10b-11
The plant you will receive will be the plant pictured or a similar one.
Please note: We ship plants orders out on Mondays and Tuesdays only.
