About
Large, eye-catching flowers carried on short stems emerge from the terminal point on new, mature growth in spring or summer. A medium-sized, evergreen, epiphytic orchid with elongated, upright, cane-like stems growing from a short, creeping rhizome. Each stem - pseudobulb is narrow at the base, broadening upwards, carrying single dark-green leaf at the top. The leaves are stiff and leathery, broadly-oval, up to 20cm long. Each flower measures over 15cm across. Colour varies from pale cream or pale pink, depending on the cultivar. The prominent lip with frilled edge is cream or pink, ofter with golden yellow throat. This popular primary hybrid was first registered by Veitch in 1889.
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 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 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 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.