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Psychopsis papilio

Psychopsis papilio

Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family:Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Cymbidieae
SubTribe: Oncidiinae
Genus: Psychopsis
Species: Psychp. papilio
Alliance:
Binomial name
Psychopsis papilio
Raf. 1838


Psychopsis papilio is an epiphytic orchid from South America.

Description[]

Plant can bloom at any time of the year with a 152 cm inflorecense and a 15 cm wide flower. Flowers last up to one month, but bloom off same inflorescence for years.

Distribution[]

Psychopsis papilio is found in Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru in trees of montane forests from 800 to 1200 meters

Culture[]

Psychopsis papilio plate

A plate of Psychopsis papilio

Keep the plant in shade to moderate light and in a well drain mix or mounted. Use potting media such as chopped sphagnum, tree fern fibers, fir bark, charcoal or perlite. Water around every 2 to 3 days. Although plant is warm growing, it can tolerate intermediate temperatures. Keep humidity high during summer and well ventalated. Water regularly in spring to fall. Reduce watering in the winter and let pot dry between waterings. If over watered the plant may rot from fungus.

Variant[]

Image Name Description
Psychopsis papilio alba Psychopsis papilio var. albiflora
( [Lindley]H.G.Jones 1975 var alba)
Sepals and lip are yellow

Naming[]

Common name: The Butterfly Psychopsis

Synonyms[]

  1. Oncidium papilio Lindley 1825
  2. Psychopsis papilio var. albiflora (Rchb.f. ex Lindl.) Lückel & Jenny 1999
  3. Psychopsis picta Raf. 1838
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