Bornean Swamp Orchid Plant Care

Bornean Swamp Orchid (Phaius borneensis) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Phaius genus. Bornean Swamp Orchid is native to the Islands of Borneo, Palawan and Mindoro.

Bornean Swamp Orchid displays a tall, upright stems with multiple large leaves growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bornean Swamp Orchid produces showy, fragrant flowers in various colors like white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bornean Swamp 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.

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

Phaius borneensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Bornean Swamp Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Bornean Swamp Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bornean Swamp Orchid every 6 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 orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bornean Swamp Orchid is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Bornean Swamp Orchid can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Bornean Swamp 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.

Bornean Swamp Orchid is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bornean Swamp Orchid can be propagated through division of pseudobulbs, back bulbs, or keikis. Similar propagation techniques also apply to amboina butterfly orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Bornean Swamp 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.

Bornean Swamp Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Bornean Swamp Orchid is native to the Islands of Borneo, Palawan and Mindoro. In cooler regions, grow Bornean Swamp Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.