Phaius tankervilliae
Common Names: nun orchid, nun's orchid, swamp orchid, nun's hood
orchid
Family: Orchidaceae (orchid Family)
Perennial Tolerant of Shade and Low Light Conditions Can be Grown in
Containers Grows Well Indoors. Flowers Useful for fresh and/or dried
arrangements
Description
Nun orchid is a terrestrial orchid (many orchids are epiphytic) that
grows from a 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) wide bulblike root with a half dozen
or so glossy, lance shaped leaves to 3 ft (1 m) in length and 3 in
(8 cm) in width. In late spring the orchid sends up a 3-4 ft (1-1.2
m) tall stalk bearing clusters of nodding reddish brown flowers. The
fragrant flowers, each about 3 in (7.5 cm) across, are silvery on
the outside and have yellowish throats. They are rather subdued
flowers, but close inspection reveals their typical orchid
complexity. The flowers are quite long lasting and darken as they
age.
Location
Phaius tankervilliae has a wide range in tropical Asia, from central
China through India and on to Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
Culture
Nun orchid is one of the easiest of the orchids to care for. They
should be repotted every couple years as the roots can become quite
extensive.
Light: Nun orchid grows best in light shade or filtered sunlight.
Indoors, provide bright light, but not direct sun.
Moisture: Nun orchid likes a well drained, but moist, rich in humus,
acidic soil. It can tolerate a drought, but isn't happy about it.
Allow potted plants to dry out more in winter when their leaves dies
back. Water with rain water if possible, and avoid wetting the
foliage.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. Nun orchids do not suffer freezes and
frosts kindly. They like to be warm.
Propagation: The tubers of nun orchids can be divided to start new
plants. If you just lay the old flower stalk on some moist potting
medium, it may produce offsets at the nodes. These offsets can then
be planted up.
Usage
This herbaceous perennial is usually grown in a container so it can
be protected from freezing weather in winter. Even when not in
flower, the foliage makes an attractive container plant. In frost
free climates, grow nun orchid in the perennial bed, in borders, or
under taller flowering shrubs and trees. She likes a little shade
during the midday summer heat, and needs a few weeks of dry dormancy
in the winter.
Features
The flowers of the nun orchid have an understated beauty: they are
not flashy and bright like, say, a fancy rose or a showoff
amaryllis, but they are proud in their subdued grays and
yellow-brown hues, and not ashamed to stick around for a few weeks. |
