Description

Papilionanthe vandarum: The Enchanting Butterfly Orchid

Papilionanthe vandarum, also known as “Vanda-like Papilionanthe” or “Wan Dai Feng Die Lan” in China, is a stunning epiphytic orchid native to the tropical forests of Asia, found in countries such as India, China, Myanmar, and Nepal. Its unusual name, Papilionanthe vandarum, reflects the resemblance of its flowers to butterflies, making it a charming addition to any orchid collection.

Characteristics of Papilionanthe vandarum:

• Size: Papilionanthe vandarum is a small to medium-sized orchid, reaching heights of 15 to 30 cm. Its monopodial growth (with a single main stem) and compact form make it suitable for cultivation in hanging pots or on ornamental tree barks.
• Flowers: The main attraction of Papilionanthe vandarum is its delicate and exotic flowers resembling butterflies in flight. The flowers, arranged in pendant clusters, have white petals with soft pink or lilac spots, creating a unique and charming appearance. The lip, in contrast, may have a reddish hue with dark stripes, complementing the flower’s color palette.
• Flowering: Papilionanthe vandarum blooms mainly in spring and summer, providing a delicate and colorful spectacle for several weeks.
• Fragrance: Papilionanthe vandarum has a soft and sweet fragrance, reminiscent of honey or vanilla.

Care for Papilionanthe vandarum:

• Light: Prefers filtered indirect light, similar to the light it would receive under the canopy of trees in its natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods.
• Irrigation: Keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the aerial roots appear whitish, using warm water. Provide good ventilation to prevent root rot.
• Fertilization: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly with orchid-specific fertilizer diluted in water. Reduce fertilization in autumn and winter.
• Temperature: The ideal temperature ranges between 18°C and 27°C. Avoid extreme temperatures as they can affect flowering.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (around 60-80%). Use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray with water and pebbles to increase air humidity.
• Substrate: Use a special substrate for epiphytic orchids.
• Mounting: Papilionanthe vandarum can be grown in pots with good drainage or mounted on wooden plaques or ornamental tree barks, as long as they provide support for the aerial roots.

Tips for Success with Papilionanthe vandarum:

• Provide adequate support for the plant, especially if grown in a pot, to encourage vertical growth.
• After flowering, cut the flower stalk just below the last node that bloomed. This can encourage the plant to produce new flowers.
• Clean the leaves and aerial roots with a soft damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
• Carefully observe the plant for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly.

Available at Tropical Orchids Portugal:

Tropical Orchids Portugal may not always have Papilionanthe vandarum available due to its rarity. However, please contact us to inquire about availability and to explore other stunning epiphytic orchids we have in stock.