About
The plant typically flowers from early summer to autumn on 40-60cm long, arching stems. A medium-sized, epiphytic orchid with 20-30cm long, leathery leaves. New growth appears from the base of swollen stem - pseudobulb, a storage organ for water and nutrients. They are oval to elliptic-shaped, slightly flattened around the top, carrying 1-3 leaves at the tip. Base of new pseudobulb is partially covered with two pairs of green, leafed sheaths. New flowering stems arise from the axils of young, mature pseudobulbs and the leafed sheaths, carrying up to 15 flowers. Unusually shaped flowers are yellow with dark brown-red spots. Long, slender petals and sepals give the flower its spider-like appearance.
About the genus
A nothogenus of spider-like orchids with glossy, strap-like foliage and long, narrow petals in shades of yellow, dark red, white and purple
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial 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
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 15°C minimum at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water regularly, when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. The orchid will naturally produce aerial roots, growing outside of the pot. 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
PruningNo pruning required. Remove the flowering stem once finished flowering
PropagationMature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free