Description
This is a rather primitive Amaryllid from Peru and parts of South America. It does not make proper bulbs, but rather it has loose, elongated, bulb-like stems. These are not unlike leeks (Allium porrum) to look at and are termed pseudo-stems. From these it makes long, broad, bluish-green leaves (again think leeks!) and huge, pure white flowers, up to 30 cm long (including the tube) and 15 cm across, in clusters of 2-3. The long-lasting flowers are strongly and beautifully scented, especially at night and the perfume of having them in flower is a constant treat.
This is a true epiphyte and likes a moisture-retentive but very fibrous, open mix based on bark, wood chips and moss. Charcoal and Perlite are said to be good and anything that you would consider for an epiphytic orchid would seem to be adequate. Loam can be included but avoid too much of this or indeed excess of any components that might clog the mix too much. Shade is best, and heavy shade especially when the sun is strong is good. High humidity benefits the plants.
They like to be planted only shallowly, with no more than about 3-6cm of the “bulb” actually in the compost. This will be more obvious when you see the plants. Do, please, also bear in mind that these plants may not seem to have many roots either when you get them, or when they are actively growing, it is just the way of the plant. High humidity (as advised above) will help to keep the foliage hydrated and healthy while they re-grow their roots.
Pamianthe dislike strong, direct sun, dry air and low temperatures and you will not be able to muddle your way through this with “oh they will be okay” – they will not! They are reported as being good house plants under the right conditions and they are rare rather than difficult. This is not however a plant for an inexperienced gardener, or one determined to bend the plants to unsuitable cultural conditions. That won’t work and please spare your wallets if you are even thinking of trying that. This is a tropical, shade- and humidity-loving epiphyte.
Pamianthe peruviana are reputedly self-fertile, though the seed is slow to reach maturity. The late Harry Hay reported 19 months. Our present stock has a fabulous pedigree, having come to us from a private botanical collection, traceable in turn to a gift from the Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth who in turn received the original plants from Major Pam himself (Pamianthe is after all “Pam’s flower”).
