Are they Phals or Dendrobiums? Den Phals are Dendrobiums, and they’re very popular orchids. Also called Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobiums, or Phalanthe-type Dendrobiums, their confusing names derive from their resemblance to Phal flowers. They represent a small section of the large Dendrobium family, but they’ve become some of the most commonly cultivated varieties.
Den Phals come in a range of whites, pinks, and purples, and there are even some with green blooms. They’re popular as potted plants. As cut flowers, they’re often used in bouquets, as food garnishes, and to make Hawaiian leis. Their flowers do look similar to Phals, or Moth Orchids, and it can be tough to distinguish them.
Fortunately, there’s an easy trick to tell Phals from Den Phals. While their flowers may be similar, they have very different plants and leaves. Den Phals grow tall canes, or pseudobulbs, that look like thick stems, and their leaves are narrow and pointed (see the first photo below.) On the other hand, Phals have broad leaves which are connected at their base, without any central stem (see the middle photo below for Phal leaves, and the final photo for a Phal bloom.)
It’s important to distinguish them because their care needs are different. Den Phals need more sun that Phals, and can handle a wider range of temps. Let Den Phals dry between thorough waterings. They don’t need a dormant period, but growers outside the tropics should cut back water and fertilizer in the lower light and cooler temps of winter. Den Phal flowers can last for weeks, which helps contribute to their popularity.