Stenoglottis longifolia
long-leaved stenoglottis
A deciduous, terrestrial orchid forming dense basal rosette clusters with slender bright green leaves to 18cm long and flower stems reaching 22-50cm in height. Masses of pink or light purple flowers in panicles, with a spotted lip, open sequentially over summer and autumn giving an extended flowering period.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Pink | Green | |
| Autumn | Brown | Pink | Green | |
| Winter | Brown | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Stenoglottis are terrestrial or epiphytic orchids with rosettes of spotted leaves from small tubers. Spikes from the centre of the rosette bear small pink or white flowers spotted purple with folded petals and 3-5 lobed lips
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Can be grown on a cool windowsill kept below 25°C with a minimum night temperature of 5°C. Compost can be a 50:50 mixture of bark, sphagnum moss or sand or perlite and leaf compost. Plants become dormant after flowering when watering should cease, restarting again when new shoots appear
Propagation
Division of roots when plant is potted at the end of the dormancy period. Tease out the roots carefully, only discarding any shrivelled ones.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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