Philippine ground orchid Spathoglottis plicata
Philippine ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to India and Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands, including Singapore (open grassy places). It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Philippine ground orchid in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Philippine ground orchid at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 43–52 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | India and Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands, including Singapore (open grassy places) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | Hawaii, Florida (naturalised): check local rules before planting |
Is Philippine ground orchid toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Orchids are generally listed as non-toxic; no data for this species.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Philippine ground orchid
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Philippine ground orchid in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (26 plants)
Questions about Philippine ground orchid
- How far apart should I plant Philippine ground orchid?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Philippine ground orchid need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Philippine ground orchid need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Philippine ground orchid?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Philippine ground orchid flower?
- From about January for 43–52 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Philippine ground orchid poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Orchids are generally listed as non-toxic; no data for this species.
- What grows well with Philippine ground orchid?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Philippine ground orchid. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical lowland plant: outdoors only where it never frosts (as in Singapore); elsewhere it needs a heated glasshouse.
- A terrestrial orchid with pleated leaves and tall spikes of purple flowers that open a few at a time all year; self-pollinating and weedy.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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