What's Blooming

Schiller's Phalaenopsis

(Phalaenopsis schilleriana)

Orchid Haven, Cloud Forest

In Victorian England (1837-1901), a period of intense orchid fascination known as ‘Orchidelirium’ emerged. Orchids from Asia and the Americas were so rare and exotic that only the wealthy could afford them. Among the most prized were Phalaenopsis (Phal.) species, which were more delicate due to their lack of pseudobulbs, making them less stress-tolerant and harder to transport. The fact that these orchids survived long journeys from the tropical Far East to Europe’s temperate climate highlights their resilience. White-flowered moth orchids like Phal. amabilis were among the first ornamental orchids brought to Europe, but it was the pink-flowered species such as Phal. schilleriana that truly captivated enthusiasts. 

Many of these orchids were imported as juvenile plants, requiring years of meticulous care to mature and flower. Of course, the wealthier orchid collectors often prefered to pay a premium for already blooming specimens rather than waiting for the plants to mature. When Phalaenopsis schilleriana was first introduced to England, its initial price was a steep twenty guineas per plant—considered high for such a small specimen. To illustrate how highly prized these orchids were, 20 guineas in 1900 are equivalent to £2168 or SGD3710  in today’s currency! However, the demand was strong due to the plant's rarity, sparking competition among eager collectors. As more specimens became available, the price quickly dropped to four or five guineas, though larger, mature plants continued to grow in value. There was even talk of a dealer offering fifty guineas to buy back one of his original twenty-guinea plants, only to be turned down.

Endemic to the forests of Philippines, specifically Luzon and smaller islands surrounding it, Phal. schilleriana is an epiphytic orchid that grows high up on trees at altitudes from sea level to around 450m. It features arching sprays of butterfly-like pink flowers, with each bloom measuring about 5 cm in diameter, creating a striking visual display when blooming en masse. To initiate and develop proper flower spikes, Phal. schilleriana requires continual cool night temperatures between 15-18°C, as high night temperatures can cause the spikes to elongate without producing flowers or result in pale, faded blooms. 

Most moth orchids have leaves that are bright to dark green with a smooth, waxy surface. However, certain species like Phal. schilleriana and some of their hybrids feature leaves that are dark green with a marbled pattern of silvery-grey on the upper surface, a purplish-green tint on the underside and a notably leathery texture. Each leaf can grow up to 40 cm in length and 8 cm in width, giving the plant a bold, elegant presence even when it's not in bloom. The intricate mottling on its leaves is often compared to tiger-like stripes. 

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the flowers of Phal. schilleriana are fragrant, exuding a sweet scent that enhances their allure. Come visit and admire these native Philippine orchids while they're still in bloom at the Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids display at Orchid Haven!

This article is part of our What's Blooming series.