intermediateuncommonPsychopsis
Butterfly Orchid
Psychopsis papilio
Sequential blooms resemble flying butterflies on tall wiry stems.
Bloomsyellowbrown
Sign in to addWatermedium
Allow to approach dryness
Lightmedium
Bright filtered light
Foodlow
Light monthly feed
Temp
65-85°F
Humidity
50-70%
Origin
Trinidad, Venezuela
Special care:Never cut old spike; blooms repeat for years
About Butterfly Orchid
Researching Butterfly Orchid…
Care guide
Potting medium
Open, fast-draining orchid bark mix in a pot with drainage holes.
Repotting
Every 2 years or when the medium breaks down.
Bloom season
Varies by species and growing conditions.
Bloom longevity
Typically 3–6 weeks per spike.
Growth habit
Refer to the species' parent genus for growth pattern.
Propagation
Division at repotting time, ideally just as new growth begins.
Pests & prevention
Watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites — wipe with diluted isopropyl alcohol.
Signs of trouble
- ●Mushy roots → reduce watering and repot in fresh dry medium
- ●Yellowing leaves → check light levels and watering frequency
Grower's tips
- ★Consistency matters more than perfection — pick a routine and stick with it.
- ★Air movement prevents most fungal and bacterial issues.