Spathoglottis spp.

ground orchids

Orchidaceae

Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands, northern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunPart Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Spathoglottis spp. is a genus of about 50 species of terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to tropical Asia, the Pacific Islands, and northern Australia. Plants grow from rounded pseudobulbs at or near the soil surface, sending up a few long, pleated, lance-shaped leaves 1-3 ft (30-90 cm) long that fold like a fan. Upright flower stalks rise above the foliage and carry clusters of rounded, three-petaled flowers 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) across in purple, magenta, pink, yellow, or white. In warm climates S. plicata, the Philippine ground orchid, blooms almost year-round, opening a few flowers at a time over many weeks. Plants grow in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in dappled light at forest edges and in grassland. They spread into clumps as the pseudobulbs multiply. Unlike many orchids, these grow in ordinary soil rather than bark, but they are frost-tender and stop growing below about 55 F (13 C).

Native Range

Spathoglottis spp. is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, from India and southern China through Southeast Asia to the Pacific Islands and northern Australia. Plants grow in open forest, grassland, and disturbed clearings. S. plicata has naturalized in Florida, Hawaii, and other warm regions.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a tropical landscape orchid in beds, borders, and mass plantings in frost-free gardens, and in containers elsewhere. The long bloom season suits patios, courtyards, and conservatory displays. Plants are used as a flowering groundcover beneath taller tropical plants.

How to Identify

Look for clumps of long, pleated, fan-folded leaves rising from rounded pseudobulbs at the soil surface. Tall, leafless stalks carry successive rounded flowers with three broad outer segments and a small, lobed lip marked with contrasting color. The terrestrial habit and plicate leaves separate Spathoglottis spp. from bark-grown epiphytic orchids.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

In tropical climates many species flower year-round, with a peak in the warm, wet months. Each stalk opens a few flowers at a time over several weeks as the spike lengthens. In cooler or seasonal climates flowering concentrates in spring and summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

purple, magenta, pink, yellow, or white

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in part shade to filtered sun in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH near 5.5 to 7.0. They are watered regularly during active growth and kept evenly moist but never waterlogged. Temperatures are kept above 55 F (13 C), as the plants are frost-tender and grown in containers or greenhouses outside the tropics. Feeding through the growing season supports continuous bloom. Spent pseudobulbs are divided to propagate established clumps.

Pruning

Spent flower stalks are cut near the base once all the buds have opened and faded. Old, leafless pseudobulbs are removed when clumps are divided. Damaged or yellowing leaves are trimmed away to keep plants tidy.