Phalaenopsis sanderiana is a very nice species from the Philippines where it grows at sea level up to about 450 meters. It was discovered in 1882 by Roebelin who sent it off to Sander, the famous orchid collector who gave it its name. I never use supporting stakes for my orchids, unless absolutley necessary. I think it is much more beautiful to let the flowers grow naturally, and that is especially true in this species. The elegant and shapely flowers measure about 8 cm accross and hang like a beautiful cascade on a 60 cm long inflorescence. The color can vary from white to rosy white and pink with a hint of purple, like mine. It usually blooms late spring to early summer, so usually a little earlier than this year.
I grow it in a plastic mesh pot with medium size bark mix in the window under intermediary temperature conditions and additional lighting. I feel that it is a bit thirstier than most Phalaenopsis so I water mine like I water my Paphiopedilum.
