When does Spathoglottis plicata bloom?

This ground orchid typically flowers from March through November, with individual spikes producing blooms over several weeks in warm, humid conditions.

How much light does Spathoglottis plicata need?

It grows best in part shade to part sun. Filtered or dappled light suits it well, and too much deep shade will reduce flowering.

How much water does this orchid need?

Spathoglottis plicata prefers medium to consistently moist soil and does not tolerate prolonged drought, though it needs good drainage to avoid root rot.

What pollinates Spathoglottis plicata?

Bees are the primary pollinators, visiting the orchid's purple flowers during its extended blooming season.

Is Philippine Ground Orchid HOA-friendly?

Philippine Ground Orchid takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Philippine Ground Orchid

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Spathoglottis plicata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Philippine Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) is a perennial forb. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Philippine Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Pollinators

bees

Native alternatives to Philippine Ground Orchid

Philippine Ground Orchid is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Philippine ground orchid produces elegant purple or pink flowers on tall spikes above clumps of pleated green leaves. This terrestrial orchid blooms nearly year-round and forms neat, compact clumps that work well in shaded garden beds.

Growing Philippine Ground Orchid

Grow Philippine Ground Orchid in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Philippine Ground Orchid takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Not native to the United States
May be viewed as exotic/tropical rather than traditional landscaping
Could spread beyond intended areas

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and other pollinators throughout most of the year due to the extended blooming period.

Common questions

When does Spathoglottis plicata bloom?: This ground orchid typically flowers from March through November, with individual spikes producing blooms over several weeks in warm, humid conditions.
How much light does Spathoglottis plicata need?: It grows best in part shade to part sun. Filtered or dappled light suits it well, and too much deep shade will reduce flowering.
How much water does this orchid need?: Spathoglottis plicata prefers medium to consistently moist soil and does not tolerate prolonged drought, though it needs good drainage to avoid root rot.
What pollinates Spathoglottis plicata?: Bees are the primary pollinators, visiting the orchid's purple flowers during its extended blooming season.
Is Philippine Ground Orchid HOA-friendly?: Philippine Ground Orchid takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Ready to grow Philippine Ground Orchid? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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