Peristeria elata

The rare "Holy Ghost" orchid is native to Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The flowers are sometimes used in Panada in wedding bouquets due to their elegant appearance and lovely fragrance. This species blooms with outstanding 2 to 3-foot tall spikes decorated with round, 1.5" cup-shaped flowers with a perfect dove shape in the center. To add to their appeal, these flowers also emit a strong fragrance. The flowers are thick, waxy, and long-lasting.

We grow this orchid in moist potting medium of either sphagnum moss or peat moss. These plants love moisture and heat! Grow warm to have the fastest and best results. They flower in the heat of the summer for us, typically in August. When large, the pseudobulbs can be as big as a softball. Baseball to softball-size bulbs means they are ready to bloom!

Note that this plant commonly develops black spots on the older growths. This is normal as they also eventually shed the older foliage.

We expect the current offerings to flower the following years:

3.25" Pot Size - 2026 to 2027
5.5" Pot Size - 2025 to 2026
6"+ Pot Size 2025