Photo: Apichart SongsangchunCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Ribbon Plant Plant Care
Dendrolirium lasiopetalum (Willd.) S.C.Chen & J.J.Wood
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, narrow, silvery-green leaves are its most striking visual feature, giving it a unique and elegant appearance. Originating from the rainforests of Australia, Dendrolirium lasiopetalum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ribbon Plant?
Water Ribbon Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Ribbon Plant Native To?
What Is the Ribbon Plant?
Ribbon Plant (Dendrolirium lasiopetalum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Dendrolirium genus. Ribbon Plant is native to a region from Bangladesh east to Hong Kong, south through much of Southeast Asia to Java. Ribbon Plant is also known as Mokara Orchid.
Ribbon Plant displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ribbon Plant produces showy, colorful blooms in various shapes and sizes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ribbon Plant?
Dendrolirium lasiopetalum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ribbon Plant Need?
Ribbon Plant thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Ribbon Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ribbon Plant Prefer?
Dendrolirium lasiopetalum grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Ribbon Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ribbon Plant?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Ribbon Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ribbon Plant?
Feed Ribbon Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Ribbon Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Ribbon Plant?
Ribbon Plant can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dendrolirium ferrugineum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ribbon Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ribbon Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ribbon Plant?
Ribbon Plant is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ribbon Plant Need?
Ribbon Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Ribbon Plant is native to a region from Bangladesh east to Hong Kong, south through much of Southeast Asia to Java. In cooler regions, grow Ribbon Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Ribbon Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dendrolirium genus — compare its care with other Dendrolirium species on PlantoScan.
Dendrolirium is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Ribbon Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dendrolirium lasiopetalum (Willd.) S.C.Chen & J.J.Wood, family Orchidaceae (first published in Fl. China 25: 351 (2009)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ribbon Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Apichart Songsangchun, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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