Schizanthus pinnatus aka Poor Man's Orchid

Taxonomy

Genus Schizanthus Family Solanaceae Order Solanales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Schizanthus pinnatus, also known as butterfly flower or poor man's orchid, is a species of plant in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Native to Chile and naturalized in other regions, this upright annual can grow up to 50cm tall. It features fern-like light-green leaves that can reach up to 12cm long. From spring to autumn, it produces tubular flowers in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, and red. These flowers, which can grow up to 8cm across, are adorned with violet markings, streaks, and spots in contrasting colors. Schizanthus pinnatus has been recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society with the Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental value. With its resemblance to orchid blooms, this cool-weather annual adds a splash of color to gardens. Its branching stems, reaching up to 18" tall, are adorned with deeply cut leaves. The flowers, which bloom in cymes, come in shades of red, pink, purple, yellow, and white, often displaying purple spotting and a yellow blotch in the center. The genus name, derived from Greek, refers to the deeply cut corolla of the flower, while the specific epithet highlights the deeply cut pinnate leaves.

Common names

Poor Man's Orchid, Poorman's Orchid, Butterfly Flower

How to care for Poor Man's Orchid

Difficulty

Poor Man's Orchid is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Lighting

Poor Man's Orchid requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Poor Man's Orchid will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Poor Man's Orchid to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

More info:
Wikipedia