Spathulate Sarcochilus Plant Care
Sarcochilus spathulatus R.S.Rogers
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sarcochilus spathulatus, commonly known as the small butterfly orchid, is a small epiphytic orchid endemic to eastern Australia. It has a single, more or less pendent growth with up to ten thin, leathery leaves and up to five green to dark brown flowers with a cream-coloured labellum that has purple markings.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Spathulate Sarcochilus?
Spathulate Sarcochilus grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Spathulate Sarcochilus Native To?
What Is the Spathulate Sarcochilus?
Spathulate Sarcochilus (Sarcochilus spathulatus) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Sarcochilus genus. Spathulate Sarcochilus is native to eastern Australia.
Spathulate Sarcochilus displays an epiphytic, compact clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spathulate Sarcochilus produces small, fragrant flowers in various colors like white, pink, and purple.
What Light Does the Spathulate Sarcochilus Need?
Spathulate Sarcochilus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spathulate Sarcochilus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spathulate Sarcochilus?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Spathulate Sarcochilus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Spathulate Sarcochilus?
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 Spathulate Sarcochilus?
Spathulate Sarcochilus can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hill's sarcochilus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spathulate Sarcochilus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spathulate Sarcochilus, 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 Spathulate Sarcochilus?
Spathulate Sarcochilus 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.
Keep exploring plants
Spathulate Sarcochilus 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 Sarcochilus genus — compare its care with other Sarcochilus species on PlantoScan.
Sarcochilus is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Spathulate Sarcochilus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sarcochilus Species
Other Sarcochilus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sarcochilus spathulatus R.S.Rogers, family Orchidaceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. Roy. Soc. South Australia 51: 1 (1927)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spathulate Sarcochilus, 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.
- 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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