How to Grow Spathoglottis 'White Wings'
Spathoglottis 'White Wings'
Spathoglottis plicata 'White Wings'
flowerSpathoglottis 'White Wings' is a terrestrial orchid cultivar prized for its pure white flowers with contrasting yellow centers. This deciduous to semi-evergreen orchid produces tall, elegant flower spikes above its distinctive pleated foliage. It's a vigorous, relatively easy-to-grow orchid ideal for intermediate to warm growing conditions.
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Example Spathoglottis 'White Wings' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spathoglottis 'White Wings'
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 Spathoglottis 'White Wings' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-12; can be grown indoors or in controlled greenhouse environments in cooler climates
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Dormancy
2-4 months (October-February)Plant enters semi-rest period in fall-winter with minimal foliage activity and no new growth
Reduce watering significantly but maintain slight moisture; lower temperatures (60-65°F) encourage dormancy and flower bud formation; provide good air circulation
Vegetative Growth
3-4 months (February-May)New pseudobulbs emerge in spring, producing pleated green leaves on tall stalks
Increase watering as growth resumes; provide bright light and consistent humidity; apply balanced orchid fertilizer weekly at half strength
Flowering Spike Development
4-6 weeksTall inflorescences emerge from leaf axils, developing flower buds along the spike
Maintain consistent temperatures; avoid moving plant; provide high humidity and bright light; stake spikes if needed for support; continue regular feeding
Blooming
8-12 weeks (variable; flowers bloom progressively)Pure white flowers with yellow centers open sequentially along the spike, creating an elegant display
Maintain temperatures 65-80°F; reduce feeding once blooms open; continue moderate watering; flowers last 3-6 weeks per bloom
Post-Bloom
4-8 weeks through transition to dormancySpent flower spikes fade; plant may rebloom on secondary spikes or prepare for dormancy
Remove spent spikes above a node to encourage branching and rebloom; gradually reduce watering as plants transition to dormancy; maintain good light
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity to 70%+; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide spray; ensure good air circulation
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Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil weekly until resolved
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Manually remove with soft brush; spray with horticultural oil; treat with neem oil or systemic insecticide
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Improve air circulation and drainage; reduce watering frequency; apply fungicide to affected areas; repot in fresh substrate if severe
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Remove infected pseudobulbs immediately; sterilize cutting tools; improve drainage and ventilation; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Cut Flower Display
OrnamentalPure white flowers with golden centers create elegant floral arrangements lasting 2-3 weeks in water. The tall spikes provide vertical interest and sophisticated sophistication in mixed orchid displays. [source]
Indoor Potted Specimen
HouseholdWell-suited for windowsills, plant stands, and greenhouse cultivation as a container specimen. The attractive pleated foliage and sequential flowering provides months of ornamental value. [source]
Floral Arrangement Component
CraftThe long, graceful flower spikes are highly valued by florists for wedding bouquets, corsages, and premium floral designs. Individual flowers remain fresh for extended periods. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeIn tropical and subtropical gardens, flowering Spathoglottis plants attract native bees and pollinators, supporting local ecosystem health. The yellow center guides pollinators to the flower. [source]
Harvest Tips
This ornamental orchid is not harvested for consumption. Cut flower spikes when 2-3 flowers have opened for use as cut flowers; they last 2-3 weeks in a vase. Flowers continue blooming on the plant for 8-12 weeks. To encourage reflowering, maintain proper dormancy period in winter; withhold excessive watering and maintain cool temperatures (60-65°F) for 6-8 weeks to trigger flower bud formation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Spathoglottis 'White Wings' is a hybrid cultivar developed through selective breeding of Spathoglottis plicata, a species native to Southeast Asia and the Philippines, valued for its pure white flowers rather than the typical pink or purple found in wild populations.
- 🌱 Unlike many tropical orchids, Spathoglottis is a terrestrial (ground-dwelling) genus rather than epiphytic, making it more adaptable to potted cultivation with standard soil amendments compared to typical air-rooting epiphytic orchids.
- 🌱 The name 'Spathoglottis' derives from Greek words meaning 'spade' (spathe) and 'tongue' (glottis), referring to the distinctive spade-shaped lip (labellum) of the flower, a characteristic feature of this genus.
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