Vivi's Orchid CornerApril 2000 - Volume 5, Issue 3
"The Veiled Nun"Dear Orchid Friends:The "Veiled Nun", or "Nun's Orchid" is a tall, showy terrestrial orchid known as Phaius. Several of the species in this genus are epiphytes, however, the majority are terrestrial.
Phaius, the genus, belongs in the Bletiinae subtribe and includes nearly twenty species. These orchids are terrestrials, which means they grow in the ground or in soil. Phaius originate from the Orient and Tropical Asia (Madagascar, China, Japan ) and Australia. It is believed one of the first Phaius orchids was imported from China in the late 1700's.
These orchids like moisture, semi shade conditions and grow well in warm to intermediate environments. They thrive in either pots or in the garden soil. Ensure they have a rich mixture of soil with good drainage. You may wish to add peat moss or loam if your soil packs densely. Phaius do need plenty of water year round. I have not fertilized the Phaius growing in my garden much at all. I do not use any special orchid fertilizer. In fact, they receive the same fertilizer I use on my bedding plants..either a 6-6-6 granular mixture or Milorganite and an occasional bloom booster. They love it! These orchids do quite well on their own given the proper environment. Do take care to plant them in the proper location as their leaves will sunburn easily if given too much light. Surprisingly, they do not appear to be susceptible to insect infestation either. After the flowers fall from the stalk, place the flower stalk on the ground (or in a tray of soil). Partially cover them with leaves and soil, and eventually new plants will form from the stalk. The most commonly seen Phaius are the Phaius tankerville. These showy plants do extremely well in a garden and also make wonderful houseplants. My Phaius tankervilles have certainly brightened up a dark spot in my garden. Why are they called the Nun's Orchid? I haven't a clue! If you know, please let me know!
Until next time,
Vivi
|
|
Orchid Photo Cards |
Orchid Photos |
Menu/Catalog Events & Info | Guestbook | Vivi's Orchids Home |
Bemvindo Brasileiros!
Although not familiar with Phaius
orchids, my interest was aroused a few years ago. As with food
preferences, my orchid tastes changed slightly over the years. I stopped to look closely at
a Phaius at an orchid show. I liked the hardy, grand flowers of this
orchid plant. The leaves reminded me of canna lilies and I liked the effect it had on me.
Terrestrials...the thought intrigued me...certain areas of our garden could be enhanced
with the Phaius!
Phaius grow into large, leafy plants averaging 2 ft. in height and 3 ft.
across. Phaius orchids spread by suckers much like a ginger plant. Flowers
are borne on tall, upright, thick stalks bearing 8-10 flowers per stalk. Flower stalks
average 3 ft. in height. Flower petals are cream colored on the backside and a deep
cinnamon color on the front of the petals. The classic trumpet lip is cinnamon with flared
edges and a yellow throat. Flowers are relatively long lasting and generally bloom Winter
to Spring.
