Papilionanthes

[paphioboy]

Formerly known as terete-leaved vandas. These are very untidy climbing plants that produce copious aerial roots that reach out and stick to any surface. I have all my Papilionanthes growing up a dead tree trunk. All mine are 3 meters tall before they flower, as they only receive full sun at this height. Some of them in flower now:

Miss Joaquim 'Agnes' (hookeriana x teres), national flower of Singapore:


The variety 'Douglas' of Miss Joaquim has a larger more spectacular flower but mine is not in bloom yet.

Poepoe 'Diana' (Cooperi x teres var. alba), another old hybrid.




Amy (hookeriana x tricuspidata), this hybrid has an interestingly-shaped lip.


All Papilionanthes are very easy to grow, provided they receive full direct sun and lots of fertilizer. They are very easily grown from cuttings, and the basal portion often produces multiple offshoots. The main pest is the orchid beetle, which likes to attack growing spikes and new shoots.

 

[SlipperFan]

Pretty. But not in the ground in Michigan.

 

[abax]

Gorgeous flowers and quite new to me.

 

[paphioboy]

For those who are interested but are not able to provide constant warmth, papilionanthe teres would be suitable. It comes from the Himalayan region, growing in exposed areas and is more cold-tolerant than other species.

 

[Ozpaph]

they look good as mass plantings

 

[cnycharles]

Nice flowers


Elmer Nj

 

[NYEric]

Hmmmmmm....
Thanks for sharing!

 

[JeanLux]

They are too cool Li !!!! But I am since years not able to bloom mine ! Jean

 

[paphioboy]

Full sun, Jean.. Zero shade.

 

[Migrant13]

These are interesting but not happening outside in the Northeast for sure.