Arpophyllum spicatum

RHS Plant Profile
sickle-leaved arpophyllum

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sickle-leaved arpophyllum RHS
sickle-leaved arpophyllum RHS
Conservatory Greenhouse

An epiphytic orchid producing a fleshy, channelled, strap-shaped leaf. Erect, cylindrical racemes to 15cm longpacked withmany small, pinkish-purple, long-lasting flowers are produced in mid-autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
A genus of 3 flowering epiphytic or terrestrial orchids, found mainly in Mexico, with short, slender stems and one sickle-shaped, fleshy green leaf. Upright, dense racemes of purple flowers appear from winter through to spring
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in epiphytic orchid compost and from late spring to summer, in partial shade with good ventilation, day temperatures between 18-25°C and night above 10°C, water freely adding orchid fertiliser every third watering and provide high humidity by misting twice daily. Keep in well lit conditions from autumn to early spring. See indoor orchid cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required, cut down flowered stems as necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free