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Cultural Information for SPATHOGLOTTIS

From the Greek spath(flower) and glottis(tongue). The genus was established by Blume in 1825

Spathoglottis, or Ground orchids, is a genus of tropical, terrestrial orchids with 60+ species. The genus has a widespread native habitat range in Southeastern Asia to the Philippines. The genus is easily grown, as a pot plant or outdoors in temperate areas. Several species have escaped captivity and naturalized in Hawaii and Florida.

The plants have pretty leaves, which are arching broad and palmlike. The showy flower spikes, which can grow as tall as 3 feet, produce successive flowering clusters of small brighhly colored flowers. The leaves emerge from round pseudobulbs that multiple, and grow larger as the orchid matures.

LIGHT

Spathoglottis will grow well under bright shade to full sun conditions. Foliage color and appearance is best when grown 50% shade.

WATER

Keep plants evenly moist. They will tolerate some drying periodically, more so in the winter when dormant. Over watering may cause fungal problems, especially in young or newly established plants

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GROWING MEDIA

Well-drained, terrestial soil mix incorporating at least 20% sponge rok, perlite or aerolite. A mix of 50% peat, 20% perlite or airlite and 30% coconut chips works well under most conditions. Spathoglottis have a vigorous root system which require deeper pots. Shallow pots, such as orchid or azalea pots, are not recommended.

NUTRITION

Spathoglottis are heavy feeders, due to their fast growing nature. They require a higher than average nutrient supply. Nutritional requirements will vary with light and temperature conditions. Slow release fertilizers may be sparingly applied to the surface of the potting medium during the growing season to promote vigorous growth when plants are given higher light intensity. Regular applications of, Non Urea fertilizer promotes good growth

TEMPERATURE

As a tropical plant, Spathoglottis enjoy daytime temperatures above 60° F and nights above 50° F for vigorous growth and flowering. They tolerate temperatures down to 45° F, if dry, but may drop leaves and go dormant with extended temperatures below 40° F. Some leaf tip burning, and leaf drop, can occur with extended high tempereatures in the summer. Spathoglottis will not tolerate freezing, unless heavily mulched and in protected areas..

PESTS and DISEASES

Susceptible to most common orchid pests; however, no particular pest seems to pose serious problems. If grown in a greenhouse, or under lights, be watchful for spider mites.

Botritis flower mold can ruin the flowers, in stagnant air situations. The genus enjoys slight air movement. Fungal problems and Crown rot if over watered.

You can expect flowering 5 to 7 months after planting a young plant in a 5 to 6 inch pot. Allow 7 to 9 months for a full 8 inch pot. Spathoglottis can be grown close. Upon maturity, plants will bloom relatively non-stop provided warmth, bright light, and good nutrition. Flowers open a few at a time at the top of the spike. Each spike can last for months.

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