Spathoglottis plicata

otis226 · #1 05-27-2011, 10:51 AM

I recently aquired this nice ground orchid. I will be growing it in pots, as the winter here in N. central FL may get a bit too chilly for it. Any care hints would be most appreciated, such as full sun or partial shade, water requirements, fertilizing. Thanks much.

DREW HARTIS · #2 05-28-2011, 10:59 AM

I can't remember which issue it was in, but a great article was written on these orchids several years back in the American Orchid Society magazine. If I can find it I would be glad to send it to you or you might be able to order a back issue. I have not grown this orchid so I cannot give you any advise. I hope this helps. In the mean time I will look and see if I still have a copy.

otis226 · #3 05-28-2011, 01:35 PM

Haven't figured out how to post a private msg yet, but that would be fanstastic. If you happen to find the article perhaps you could scan it for me and email it? Or even if you just summerize what it say that would be great. I have gleaned most all the info I could find from the web, and basically they don't seem too difficut to keep happy, but I was just wondering about water, fertilizer and light exposure, so that I get them right. Thanks for your reply.
Tony

DREW HARTIS · #4 05-28-2011, 10:47 PM

I am sorry, but the article I have is on hybridization, and does not give anything on growing. I did read alittle at another site and read that spathoglotus like warm to cool temps. I assume that to mean temps. like Phals. as they come from the Islands of the Pacific. The article said to keep evenly moist and give high humidity and good air movement all the time. Feed once a week during the growing season and every 2 weeks during other times. I have not tried one of these plants so this is just from reading, not experience. I hope someone who grows these beautiful orchids can chime in and give you some specifics. One plant that I have had experience with is Phaius. I would think the 2 would grow well side by side. Someone feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

otis226 · #5 05-30-2011, 05:20 PM

I appreciate the effort, Drew. My main question is weather I could grow it in the ground, in a protected area here in north central FL, zone 8a. I may just take one of the pbulbs and give it a try. The rest will be potted up so they can come inside when it gets chilly here in Jan-Feb. It is a really lovely plant and I'm happy I ran across it at the local Lowes. Only one I saw there too.

DREW HARTIS · #6 05-31-2011, 05:13 PM

It is worth a try. I threw out a backbulb from an Oncidium "volcano queen" several years ago. It lay on the grown under dead leaves all winter here in NC. Zone 7. The next spring when I uncovered it I was amazed it had not only survived but had sprouted. Since it wanted to grow that badly I potted it up and it bloomed the very next year. So anything is possible. Good luck.

otis226 · #7 05-31-2011, 10:34 PM

Right you are! As they say, "Anything is Possible, when you don't know what you're doing". That fits me to a tee at this point with my orchid-growing

Cheers,
Tony

jean2 · #8 08-30-2011, 06:39 AM

Grow Spathoglottis Plicata in a moist, acidic, humus-rich soil in a partial shade. They also do well in a full sun if conditions are moist and humid. Plants' self-sow and naturalize, but hybrids are sterile. It can be grown as a houseplant in a warm window, but ample light and humidity are needed for flowering and a prolonged life. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, but also sporadically at other seasons.