Yellow Phaius Plant Care

Yellow Phaius (Phaius flavus) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Phaius genus.

Yellow Phaius 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. Yellow Phaius produces showy, fragrant flowers in various colors like white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Yellow Phaius 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.

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

Phaius flavus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Yellow Phaius 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 Yellow Phaius to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Yellow Phaius 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.

Yellow Phaius is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Yellow Phaius 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 Yellow Phaius 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.

Yellow Phaius is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Yellow Phaius 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.

Yellow Phaius 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.

Yellow Phaius grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Yellow Phaius as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.