How to Grow Hanging Orchid
Hanging Orchid
Arachnis flos-aeris
flowerArachnis flos-aeris, commonly known as the Hanging Orchid or Spider Orchid, is an epiphytic orchid native to Southeast Asia featuring distinctive spider-like flowers with elongated sepals and petals. The plant produces long, drooping inflorescences with fragrant, yellow and maroon-patterned blooms that can reach several inches across. This monopodial orchid grows as a climbing or trailing plant in its natural habitat, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or mounted displays.
When should you plant Hanging Orchid in your zone?
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Example Hanging Orchid timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hanging Orchid
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Hanging Orchid blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hanging Orchid dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones 10b-12b; best grown indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Hanging Orchid timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung orchid with developing root system and new growth shoots appearing
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture; avoid direct sun; provide gentle air circulation
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant produces new leaves and long, trailing stems; roots develop aerial characteristics
Fertilize every 1-2 weeks with diluted orchid fertilizer; increase watering as growth accelerates; provide sturdy support or hanging structure
Pre-Flowering
4-8 weeksMature growth shoots develop thickening at nodes; plant reaches flowering size with multiple stems
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, increase phosphorus and potassium; provide slight temperature drop (5-10°F) and reduced watering for 3-4 weeks to trigger flowering
Flowering
6-10 weeksLong flower spikes emerge with successive opening of spider-like yellow and maroon flowers; fragrant blooms last several weeks
Maintain high humidity and bright light; reduce fertilizing; provide excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues; support heavy flower spikes
Post-Flowering & Rest
4-8 weeksFlowers drop and plant enters semi-dormant period; growth slows significantly
Continue watering but reduce frequency; minimal fertilization; cooler temperatures (60-65°F) encourage future blooming
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; rinse leaves regularly with water
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; apply insecticidal soap; isolate affected plant
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Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; monitor regularly
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Improve air circulation; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh orchid medium if roots are affected
Uses
Floral garnish
CulinaryThe large, distinctive flowers can be used as an edible garnish for gourmet dishes and specialty desserts, adding visual appeal and tropical elegance to presentation. [source]
Interior decoration and living art
HouseholdArachnis flos-aeris serves as a stunning houseplant and living decor element, with its dramatic trailing form and exotic flowers creating a focal point in modern interiors, botanical gardens, and conservatories. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn Southeast Asian traditional medicine, some Arachnis species have been used to prepare herbal infusions believed to have anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe long-lasting, exotic flowers are prized by floral designers for high-end cut flower arrangements, tropical-themed bouquets, and wedding displays where longevity and visual impact are desired. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract specialized pollinators including certain bee species and insects in tropical environments, supporting local pollinator populations when grown in outdoor gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; grown ornamentally. Cut flower spikes at the base after blooming finishes to encourage future flowering or leave on plant for extended secondary blooms. Flowers are cut-flower worthy and last 2-3 weeks in a vase.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arachnis flos-aeris is sometimes called the 'Spider Orchid' because its elongated, spread-out petals and sepals resemble the legs of a spider in flight, creating a striking illusion of movement.
- 🌱 The name 'flos-aeris' literally means 'flower of the air,' referring to its natural habitat as an epiphytic orchid that grows suspended on tree branches in tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.
- 🌱 In its native habitat, this orchid can produce flower spikes over 3 feet long, with blooms opening sequentially over several weeks, and the plants are sometimes found climbing 50+ feet up rainforest trees.
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