Peristeria (Per) elata

Immediately recognizable by its common names, the Dove Orchid or the Holy Ghost Orchid (flor del Espiritu Santo), the Peristeria elata is truly a masterpiece of Mother Nature. One look deep into the flower and the reason becomes crystal clear. Tucked perfectly inside the waxy, cup-shaped petals is a structure that looks for all the world like a small, white dove, wings gently swept back, nestled in its own private chapel. It’s a captivating and almost spiritual sight.  It is the National flower of Panama and 

Peristeria elata is the national flower of Panama and symbolizes peace and natural splendor.  It is also a species with some serious heft; this is no miniature. It grows as a terrestrial or lithophyte (on rocks) along the edges of humid, mossy mountain forests in Central and South America, from Costa Rica down through Colombia and Venezuela, typically at elevations from about 300 to 2,300 ft. It enjoys bright, filtered shade and the consistent moisture of its tropical home. This is a warm- to intermediate-growing orchid, appreciating temperatures that reflect its lowland to mid-elevation jungle floor habitat.

The flowers are truly captivating. In the summer, a tall, erect inflorescence emerges from the base of the pseudobulb, capable of reaching an impressive 4 ft. or more in height. This spike carries a succession of 10 to 20 rounded, marble-white, waxy flowers, each about 1.5 to 2 in. across. They don't all open at once, instead providing a show over several weeks. A delightful, spicy, or citrus-like fragrance adds another layer to the experience. Inside that pristine white globe, the column and lip of the orchid fuse to create the iconic dove, which is often delicately speckled with reddish-purple spots.

Botanically, the plant is as robust as the flower spike is tall. It produces very large, ovoid to nearly conical pseudobulbs that can be the size of a softball, clustered together and looking like smooth, green onions. These are topped with two to four broad, heavily pleated (plicate) leaves that are lanceolate-elliptic in shape. The leaves are quite grand themselves, capable of reaching up to 3 ft. in length and 6 in. in width, giving the entire plant a lush, palmy appearance. This is an orchid that has presence, both in and out of bloom.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, filtered light, similar to that for a Cattleya. An east-facing window or a shaded spot in a greenhouse is ideal. Protect the large, thin leaves from direct, scorching sun.

Water: This orchid requires abundant water and fertilizer during its active growing season (spring and summer). The medium should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. After the pseudobulbs have fully matured in the fall, reduce watering significantly to allow for a drier winter rest period, which is crucial for initiating flowers.

Temperature: Intermediate to warm temperatures are preferred. Aim for daytime temperatures of 75-85°F with a drop at night to 60-65°F. It can tolerate slightly warmer conditions with good air movement.

Humidity: Prefers high humidity, around 50-70%. Good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal issues, especially given the plant's large size and dense foliage.

Potting Medium: As a terrestrial, Peristeria elata needs a rich, well-draining mix. A combination of fine to medium fir bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and some leaf mold or compost works well. It flowers best when it becomes somewhat pot-bound. Repotting should only be done when absolutely necessary as the plant establishes a new growth.

Currently available in young blooming size only.  We expect to see blooms in 2026 or later, and it's certainly worth the wait. In limited availability in 4" pots.