Papilionanthe pedunculata

Also known as: The Pedunculate Papilionanthe or Vanda masperoae in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cambodia

General Information

The Pedunculate Papilionanthe is a monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cambodia. The name refers to the length of the inflorescence fromthe base to the bottom of the first flower.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous erect terete shaped leaves that grow to 0.4-20cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 257mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 64% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 27C, highest in April (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (11C to 24C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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 year round. Fertiliser can be applied heavily year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser during Summer and Winter. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer and Winter.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots