Nun's orchid
Phaius tankervilleae
Also called Phaius and Swamp lily orchid
Houseplant · OrchidsIT IS THE BIGGEST ORCHID MOST PEOPLE EVER OWN — a metre of spike over leaves the size of a forearm, and it grows in ordinary compost rather than bark. Treat it like a houseplant, not like an orchid.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 5 daysKeep it moist — water at the first hint of dryness — don't wait for a dry pot.
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Feed
- Every 21 days
- Humidity
- Average to high
- Hardiness
- Indoors, or out in high summer RHS H1B, to 10°C
- Size
- 1.2 m tall · 0.8 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Asia and Australia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-21. Where a source says nothing, we say nothing.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.