About
Large, ornamental flowers emerge from the middle of leaves on a short, terminal stems from autumn to spring. An evergreen, epiphytic orchid with upright, cane-like stems growing from a short rhizome. Each stem (pseudobulbs) is broader in the central part and narrower at the base, carrying single firm, dark green leaf at the top. The leaves are broadly-oval and leathery up to 30cm long and 6-7cm wide. Each flower measures up to 20cm across, with pale pink petals and sepals. Large, round, prominent lip with a frilled edge is dark purple in the lower half and golden yellow in the centre. An old British hybrid, registered in 1908.
About the genus
A genus of hybrid, deciduous flowering trees with long, tapered dark green foliage and large, frilly pink or white flowers with striped throats, appearing in the summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with added perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but sheltered from the heat of a summer mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum 28 °C during summer day. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting too wet. 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 outgrows 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.