1081 Phaius tankervilliae
Common Names: nun orchid, nun's orchid, swamp orchid, nun's hood orchid
Family: Orchidaceae (orchid Family)
Description
Nun orchid is a terrestrial orchid (many orchids are epiphytic) that grows from a 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) wide bulblike root with a half dozen or so glossy, lance shaped leaves to 3 ft (1 m) in length and 3 in (8 cm) in width. In late spring the orchid sends up a 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) tall stalk bearing clusters of nodding reddish brown flowers. The fragrant flowers, each about 3 in (7.5 cm) across, are silvery on the outside and have yellowish throats. They are rather subdued flowers, but close inspection reveals their typical orchid complexity. The flowers are quite long lasting and darken as they age.
Location
Phaius tankervilliae has a wide range in tropical Asia, from central China through India and on to Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
Culture
Nun orchid is one of the easiest of the orchids to care for. They should be repotted every couple years as the roots can become quite extensive. Light: Nun orchid grows best in light shade or filtered sunlight. Indoors, provide bright light, but not direct sun. Moisture: Nun orchid likes a well drained, but moist, rich in humus, acidic soil. It can tolerate a drought, but isn't happy about it. Allow potted plants to dry out more in winter when their leaves dies back. Water with rain water if possible, and avoid wetting the foliage. Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. Nun orchids do not suffer freezes and frosts kindly. They like to be warm. Propagation: The tubers of nun orchids can be divided to start new plants. If you just lay the old flower stalk on some moist potting medium, it may produce offsets at the nodes. These offsets can then be planted up.
Usage
This herbaceous perennial is usually grown in a container so it can be protected from freezing weather in winter. Even when not in flower, the foliage makes an attractive container plant. In frost free climates, grow nun orchid in the perennial bed, in borders, or under taller flowering shrubs and trees. She likes a little shade during the midday summer heat, and needs a few weeks of dry dormancy in the winter.
Features
The flowers of the nun orchid have an understated beauty: they are not flashy and bright like, say, a fancy rose or a showoff amaryllis, but they are proud in their subdued grays and rust and yellow-brown hues, and not ashamed to stick around for a few weeks.
Steve Christman 5/27/08, 4/14/12
