Tiger orchid Grammatophyllum speciosum
Tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to Myanmar and Thailand to New Guinea, including Singapore (on large trees by rivers; nearly extinct in the wild in Singapore). It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Tiger orchid in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tiger orchid at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Myanmar and Thailand to New Guinea, including Singapore (on large trees by rivers; nearly extinct in the wild in Singapore) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Tiger 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 Tiger orchid
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Tiger orchid in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (3 plants)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (1 plants)
Questions about Tiger orchid
- How far apart should I plant Tiger orchid?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Tiger orchid need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tiger orchid need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tiger orchid?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Tiger orchid flower?
- From about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tiger 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 Tiger orchid?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tiger 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
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: Rainforest, National Orchid Garden, Ginger Garden, Learning Forest, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical lowland plant: outdoors only where it never frosts (as in Singapore); elsewhere it needs a heated glasshouse.
- Epiphyte: grows on branches in nature; in a garden it is tied onto trees, tree-fern trunks or rock, or grown in very open bark mix.
- The largest orchid: cane-like stems to 3 m and arching flower spikes of yellow, maroon-blotched flowers; often flowers only every 2–4 years.
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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- Philippine ground orchid Spathoglottis plicata
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