Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid)

Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) white and maroon flower close up
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) with white and maroon flower petals on vertical stem.
large video
Phaius tankervilleae

Botanical name: Phaius tankervilleae

Common names: Chinese Ground Orchid, Nun Orchid

Family: Orchidaceae

Origin: Southern China, North India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and the Pacific Islands

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantPlant form: Groundcover or low-growing
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
White, off-white flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersFlower color: White and off-white; red, crimson, vinous
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

This orchid has established itself throughout the Islands mostly in moist forests. This plant forms large clumps with inflorescences as tall as four feet bearing 10-20 fragrant flowers, opening up in succession. Sword shaped leaves develop as the tall inflorescens of white, rose and brown flowers reaches full bloom in the late spring. The species produces a new plant on a short bulb-like runner every year and flowers magnificently during March and April. It prefers the shade of trees and can take a long dry period before the flowering season. Use it for mass plantings or as a speciment in part shade. It is also good used as a potted plant.

See video about Ground Orchids.


Image gallery: 14 images
Phaius tankervilleae brown and pink flower on a tall green stem close up
large image
Phaius tankervilleae flower with brown petals and a deep pink central lip
Phaius tankervilleae (Nun's Orchid) with tall spikes of showy maroon and white flowers, blooming elegantly in a tropical garden setting.
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) yellow and orange flower close up on tall stem
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) tall stem holding multiple yellow flowers with orange ruffled centers
Phaius tankervilleae purple flower and green leaves on a tall plant stem close up
Phaius tankervilleae purple flower buds growing on tall green stalks near large leaves.
Phaius tankervilleae white and purple flower, green leaves, tall plant, ground view
Phaius tankervilleae flower with tall green leaves growing from wood chip mulch.
Phaius tankervilleae white purple flower spikes with long broad green leaves plant
Phaius tankervilleae stems carry white purple flowers rising above long green leaves.
Phaius tankervilleae brown and magenta flower with green spike close up
Phaius tankervilleae spike with brown and magenta flower buds and petals
Phaius tankervilleae orchid with white and purple flower petals in close up
Phaius tankervilleae orchid stems carry multiple white and purple flower buds
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) pink white flower close up on green stems.
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) pink and white flowers on tall green stalks near leaves.
Phaius tankervilleae brown and purple flower close up showing detailed petal shapes
Phaius tankervilleae flower with brown petals and a distinct purple center lip
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) brown and purple flower, close up on green surface.
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) flower with brown petals and a ruffled purple central cup.
Phaius tankervilleae bronze and pink flower in a detailed close up.
Phaius tankervilleae flower with bronze petals and a pink ruffled lip.
Phaius tankervilleae white and purple flower clusters rise above long green foliage stalks
Phaius tankervilleae flower clusters with white petals and dark purple centers near foliage
Phaius tankervilleae white and purple flower spikes reaching upward on tall green stems
Phaius tankervilleae flower spikes with white petals and inner purple trumpet shapes.
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) white brown and purple flower close up in sharp focus
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) flower with cream petals and a ruffled purple throat inside.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/phaius_tankervilleae.htm
Phaius tankervilleae brown and pink flower on a tall green stem close up

2711 Phaius tankervilleae - Chinese Nun Ground Orchid

This is a terrestrial Orchid that can be grown in soil. It forms large clumps with inflorescences as tall as four feet bearing 10-20 fragrant flowers, opening up in succession. Sword shaped leaves develop as the tall inflorescens of white, rose and brown flowers reaches full bloom in the late spring. The species produces a new plant on a short bulb-like runner every year and flowers magnificently during March and April. It prefers shade and can take a long dry period before the flowering season.
See video about Ground Orchids.
See Planting Guide & Care Tips


Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot
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