Giant Orchid Plant Care
Ephippium grandiflorum Blume
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to Indonesia, this plant's most striking feature is its large, glossy, leathery leaves that have a unique saddle-like shape, resembling a horse's saddle. Ephippium grandiflorum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its exotic appearance and rare beauty, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Orchid?
Water Giant Orchid every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Giant Orchid Native To?
What Is the Giant Orchid?
Giant Orchid (Ephippium grandiflorum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Ephippium genus. Giant Orchid is native to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Giant Orchid is also known as Queen of the Orchids.
Giant Orchid displays an epiphytic, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Giant Orchid produces showy, colorful blooms in various shapes and sizes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Orchid?
Ephippium grandiflorum 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 Giant Orchid Need?
Giant Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Giant Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant Orchid Prefer?
Ephippium grandiflorum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Giant Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant Orchid?
Well-draining orchid bark mix with perlite. Good drainage is essential for Giant Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Orchid?
Feed Giant Orchid every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Giant Orchid?
Repot every 2-3 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 Giant Orchid?
Giant Orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs.
Is the Giant Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant Orchid, 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 Giant Orchid?
Giant Orchid 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 Giant Orchid Need?
Giant Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Giant Orchid is native to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Giant Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Giant Orchid 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 Ephippium genus (family Orchidaceae) — search all Ephippium species in the plant lookup.
Giant Orchid 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: Ephippium grandiflorum Blume, family Orchidaceae (first published in Rumphia 4: 42 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant Orchid, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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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