Other Names:  Philippine

Group/Class:  Ground Orchid

Description:

This pretty orchid has become naturalized throughout the Caribbean, Florida, and Hawaii; lavender-pink blooms emerge in clusters from bright fuchsia buds in spring and early summer; great for color on pond edges or in woodland areas; can be invasive

Features & Attributes

Ground Orchid features showy panicles of purple orchid-like flowers with lavender overtones and white tips rising above the foliage from mid spring to early summer, which emerge from distinctive fuchsia flower buds. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive glossy sword-like leaves remain dark green in color throughout the year.

This is an herbaceous evergreen houseplant with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. This plant may benefit from an occasional pruning to look its best.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, Ground Orchid can be expected to grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. This houseplant performs well in both bright or indirect sunlight and strong artificial light, and can therefore be situated in almost any well-lit room or location. It does best in average to evenly moist soil, but will not tolerate standing water. The surface of the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely, and so you should expect to water this plant once and possibly even twice each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soil. Contact the store for specific recommendations on pre-mixed potting soil for this plant.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.