About
A large, deciduous, terrestrial orchid with up to 60cm long canes wrapped in thin, alternate papery sheaths and green, sometimes blue-green, 20cm long and 4cm wide, lance-shaped leaves. Five to ten flowers are produced in a terminal cluster at the tip of mature canes in summer. Flowers are 10cm across, white, sometimes pale pink. The lip is golden-yellow with dark-pink veins, and a pink frilled edge. This orchid is leafless through winter, with new growth emerging in spring from the buds at the base of last year's canes.
About the genus
Thunia is a genus containing species of varied habit, from compact perennials to larger woody plants. Members are valued in horticulture for their flowers, foliage, or overall form and are found in diverse habitats worldwide
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright, Pendulous weeping
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, free-draining, bark-based orchid mix. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 13 °C minimum at night and up to maximum 24 °C during the day. Requires dry, winter rest when leafless. In spring and summer, water with soft water (ideally rainwater) when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant from sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied throughout the growing season. See indoor orchid cultivation for more tips
PruningNo pruning required other than removing spent flower stems
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Well-estastiblished plants can be propagated by division. Ensure each division has young enough, mature pseudobulbs to support new growth.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds
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