Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) - Video 1

Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia

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 MapGroundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRed, crimson, vinous flowersWhite, off-white flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsFragrant plant
Phaius tankervilleae
Phaius tankervilleae (Chinese Ground Orchid) This hardy orchid spreads naturally, producing a new plant each year from a short bulb-like runner.


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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.

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