Water
Water Papilionanthe teres thoroughly when its roots are dry. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. During active growth, water more frequently.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period to mimic its natural environment.
Also known as Orchids · Parrot Flower
Papilionanthe teres is an epiphytic orchid native to Southeast Asia, known for its slender, terete leaves and showy, butterfly-like flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Prefers bright light, but avoid direct midday sun which can scorch leaves.
Water when dry
75% intensity
Allow roots to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure excellent drainage.
Orchid bark mix, charcoal, and perlite
50% intensity
Warm to intermediate
75% intensity
Enjoys daytime temperatures of 24-30°C and night temperatures of 18-22°C. Needs a slight drop at night.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a diluted orchid fertilizer during the growing season, reducing in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Papilionanthe teres thoroughly when its roots are dry. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. During active growth, water more frequently.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period to mimic its natural environment.
Pruning is minimal for Papilionanthe teres. Remove dead or dried-out stems and any yellowing or damaged leaves. This helps maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and redirects energy to healthy growth and flowering.
Papilionanthe teres is best propagated by division. When the plant becomes overcrowded, carefully divide the rhizome into sections, ensuring each section has at least two or three healthy pseudobulbs and roots.
Pot separately and allow to establish.
Repot Papilionanthe teres every two to three years or when the potting medium breaks down. Use a coarse, well-draining orchid mix.
Repotting is best done after flowering to minimize stress and allow roots to establish before the next growth cycle.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Papilionanthe Teres (Papilionanthe teres)
Where Papilionanthe Teres (Papilionanthe teres) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Papilionanthe |
| Species | Papilionanthe teres |
Similar in genus Papilionanthe
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data