Field ManualAll plants

Philippine ground orchid
Spathoglottis plicata
Origin: Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands
Pet & Human Safety
People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
ASPCA has no page for this plant, so no pet verdict is given.
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonCare
- Hardiness zones
Grows best in USDA zone 10B; protect from frost and freezes (UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County)
- Light
Recommendations vary from full sun to full shade, but most agree partial shade is acceptable and best for Florida (UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County). Fairchild calls it a bedding plant for light shade.
- Mature size
Pleated, palm-like leaves up to 2 feet long; flower stems about 20 inches long (UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County)
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
Get the app: coming soonAnatomy & Guilds
Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonField Doctor
Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonVintage Plates
Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
Get the app: coming soon