About
This tropical, epiphytic, evergreen orchid, producing a clump of upright, up to 50cm tall stems growing from a short, creeping rhizome. Flowering stems emerge from the central tip of mature pseudobulbs from autumn to spring and are covered in two green, papery sheaths. Each stem is spindle-shaped, broader in its upper half and serves as the plants storage of water and nutrients - they are often referred to as pseudobulbs. Each stem (pseudobulb) carries two fleshy, firm, apical leaves. The leaves are opposite, oval-elliptic, up to 20cm long and 5cm wide. Five to fifteen vibrant, purple-pink flowers are carried on short stems, each individual flower measuring appox. 9cm across. There are a few forms and varieties that occur, including pale purple, pale pink and pure white This orchid is officially known as a national flower of Costa Rica.
About the genus
A small genus of epiphytic orchids which can be found in the wet forests of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Trinidad. Leaves are strap-like and green whilst flowers appear in shades of purple, white and pink
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toC & S America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum of 28°C during summer. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in water. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationMature 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs. Thrips may cause damage on flowers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases