Arpophyllum giganteum 'Wisley'

RHS Plant Profile
arpophyllum 'Wisley'

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arpophyllum 'Wisley' Valeria Valkova
Conservatory Greenhouse

A medium to large-sized, epiphytic orchid with upright, up to 75cm tall pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb carries a single, strap-shaped, dark green, leathery leaf up to 60cm long and 3-4cm wide. The orchid flowers in late spring with upright, dense raceme up to 40cm tall, carrying a large number of small, spirally arranged flowers. Upside-down flowers measuring 0.8cm are pink-purple with darker lip.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–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)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open, bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite and sphagnum moss from sustainable sources. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. May be grown in intermediate to warm conditions with temperatures between 12-30 °C. Seasonal and daily fluctuations of temperatures encourage flowering. Average humidity of 50-70% is sufficient and watering should be frequent enough during growing season (approximately once per week), with being reduced by half during winter months. Large specimens produce best flowering, however it is desirable to repot plants every few years to avoid stale, disintegrated potting mix.

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older growths with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to scale insects or mealybugs.

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.