Monkey Face Orchid Plant Care

Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula simia) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Dracula genus. Monkey Face Orchid is native to Ecuador, Colombia, Peru. Monkey Face Orchid is also known as Monkey Orchid, and Monkey-like Dracula.

Monkey Face Orchid displays an epiphytic, compact growth habit, reaching up to 0.8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Monkey Face Orchid produces unique flower with its distinctive resemblance to a monkey's face.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Monkey Face Orchid every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Monkey Face Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Monkey Face Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Dracula simia tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Monkey Face Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining potting mix using fir bark, coconut husk chips, or perlite, chopped-up sphagnum moss, charcoal. Good drainage is essential for Monkey Face Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Monkey Face Orchid every 7 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining potting mix using fir bark, coconut husk chips, or perlite, chopped-up sphagnum moss, charcoal. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Monkey Face Orchid is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Monkey Face Orchid can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Monkey Face Orchid while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Monkey Face Orchid is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Monkey Face Orchid can be propagated through division of pseudobulbs or by seed. Similar propagation techniques also apply to monkey orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Monkey Face Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Monkey Face Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Monkey Face Orchid is native to Ecuador, Colombia, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Monkey Face Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.