About
Arpophyllum spicatum is an epiphytic orchid characterized by its fleshy, channelled leaves shaped like straps. In mid-autumn, it produces upright, cylindrical racemes that can reach lengths of up to 15 cm, densely filled with numerous small, pinkish-purple flowers that have a long bloom duration.
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 type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Mexico
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in epiphytic orchid compost and from late spring to summer, in partial shade with good ventilation, day temperatures between 18-25°C and night above 10°C, water freely adding orchid fertiliser every third watering and provide high humidity by misting twice daily. Keep in well lit conditions from autumn to early spring. See indoor orchid cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required, cut down flowered stems as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free