Getting to Know the Fascinating Psychopsis Orchid

The stunning orchids have a distinct quality of being both gorgeous and sturdy. Cori Sears, an experienced writer in the fields of houseplants, gardening, and home decor, highlights these unique flowers for The Spruce, as well as other major publications such as Better Homes and Gardens and Apartment Therapy. Meanwhile, Julie Thompson-Adolf, a Master Gardener and author with three decades of experience in organic gardening, seed starting, heirloom growth, and sustainable farming, has reviewed and approved Sears’ insights.

The Psychopsis orchid, also known as the butterfly orchid, is a hardy and unique-looking orchid that can be a great addition to any home or orchid collection. Unlike the common moth orchids, the flowers of the Psychopsis orchid have long, thin petals that resemble antennas and brightly colored sepals that resemble butterfly wings. This striking appearance is due to the orchid’s evolution to trick insects into pollinating them through pseudocopulation. The deception is used by other orchid species as well, such as the fly orchid and the bee orchid.

Native to the wet rainforests and upland forest habitats of Central and South America, the Psychopsis orchid is an epiphytic plant that grows on the surface of plants and trees. However, it can also adapt well to indoor growing and is generally considered a hardy genus of orchids. With the right conditions, such as bright, indirect light and a soil pH of 5.5-6.5, the Psychopsis orchid can flower at regular intervals throughout the year. It can even flower continuously on the same inflorescence for up to 10 years. Thus, removing the inflorescence should only be done once it falls off naturally, unlike some other orchid species that require a rest period to stimulate flowering.