About
Arpophyllum giganteum is a medium-sized, evergreen epiphytic orchid characterized by its upright pseudobulbs, which can reach heights of up to 75 cm. Each pseudobulb supports a single strap-like, dark green leaf that can grow as long as 60 cm and measure 3 to 4 cm in width. This orchid blooms in the spring, producing a dense raceme that can rise to 40 cm tall, adorned with numerous small, mauve to purple-pink flowers arranged in a spiral formation. The individual flowers, measuring around 0.8 cm, are oriented upside down.
About the genus
This genus consists of three species of orchids that can be either epiphytic or terrestrial, primarily located in Mexico. They feature short, slender stems and a single, sickle-shaped, fleshy green leaf. From winter to spring, these orchids produce upright, dense racemes adorned with purple flowers.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- Mexico to Venezuela, W Indies (thoughout range of genus)
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite and sphagnum moss. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. May be grown in intermediate to warm conditions with temperatures between 12-30 °C. Seasonal and daily fluctuations of temperatures encourage flowering. Average humidity of 50-70% is sufficient and watering should be frequent enough during growing season (approximately once per week), with being reduced by half during winter months. Large specimens produce best flowering, however it is desirable to repot plants every few years to avoid stale, disintegrated potting mix.
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older growths with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to scale insects or mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial of fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.