Overview
Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Phalaenopsis, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' is a cultivar of the Phalaenopsis genus, a diverse group of primarily epiphytic orchids known for their columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. This cultivar thrives in conservatories, greenhouses, or as a houseplant, preferring partial shade and a sheltered position with east or west-facing aspect. It grows best in well-drained, neutral loam soil and requires a bark-based orchid compost with bright, indirect light. Suitable for year-round interest, it should be watered weekly, allowing roots to dry between waterings, and maintained at a minimum temperature of 16°C.
About the genus
Phalaenopsis, also known as moth orchids, is a genus of about seventy species of plants in the family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end. Orchids in this genus are native to Asia, New Guinea, and Australia, but mostly occur in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Wikipedia contributors, "Phalaenopsis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phalaenopsis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phalaenopsis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip'
- Propagation
- Keiki removal
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs, aphids, scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Bacterial rots
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip'?
Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' need?
Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' hardy in the UK?
Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip gx 'Cat Nip'?
Keiki removal.