Psychopsis papilio | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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[]

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 var. albiflora ( [Lindley]H.G.Jones 1975 var alba) |
Sepals and lip are yellow |
Naming[]
Common name: The Butterfly Psychopsis
Synonyms[]
- Oncidium papilio Lindley 1825
- Psychopsis papilio var. albiflora (Rchb.f. ex Lindl.) Lückel & Jenny 1999
- Psychopsis picta Raf. 1838