Holy Ghost Orchid

Holy Ghost Orchid Care

Peristeria Elata

Other names: Holy Spirit Orchid, Dove Orchid

What is the plant

The Holy Ghost or Dove Orchid (Peristeria elata) is the most widely known member of this small genus. The first plants of Peristeria were sent to England in 1826 and were flowered in 1831. William J. Hooker, when describing the genus, named it Peristeria after the Greek word meaning dove, due to the likeness of a dove that appears in the flowers. Peristeria elata is the national flower of Panama.This group of sympodial, terrestrial or epiphytic orchids has large, almost-teardrop-shaped pseudobulbs. Four or five massive pleated leaves arise from the apex of each pseudobulb. The inflorescence arising from the base of the pseudobulb may be pendulous or erect and from 6 inches (15 cm) to 4 feet (120 cm) long, bearing 4 to 20 flowers. The base color of the flowers is white or yellowish with some pink or red spots.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

15°C - 21°C

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It is important to water this plant with clean water such as rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis. Except during the winter, the plant never wants dryness at the roots. The roots are hairy like a paphiopedilum, and require moisture at all times. The pseudobulbs should always be plump, round, and full. If they start shriveling, this is most likely a sign they haven't been watered enough. In the winter, try to mimic the dry season by leaving the plant somewhat drier in between waterings. At this time of year, it is OK to allow the pseudobulbs to shrivel slightly. Do this from the end of November through mid to late January. Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium.
Fertilizer
Monthly with an 18-18-18 ratio
Sunlight
This plant can be grown in a wide range of light conditions, from Cattleya light and higher. 2,000 to 4,000 foot candles. Reportedly, the species also does well under a 430 watt high pressure sodium fixture when grown 3 feet from the bulb to the top of the leaves.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
A mixture of 1 part leaf mold : 1 part peat moss; provide good drainage.
Temperature
Peristeria elata prefer intermediate to warm temps with winter days in the mid 70s and nights not colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Popularity
44 people already have this plant 30 people have added this plant to their wishlists