Papilionanthe hookeriana

Also known as: Hooker's Papilionanthe or Vanda hookeri in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Thailand

General Information

Hooker's Papilionanthe is a large hot growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand. It is named after the English Botanist in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous thick erect, terete shaped leaves that grow to 0.3-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 79mm to 330mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 74% to 82%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 22C to 34C, highest in March (23C to 34C) and lowest in January (22C to 32C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots