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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp5 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Spathoglottis plicata Blume as a landscape element: Study on optimising shade conditions and plant spacings

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14236
Submitted
24 February 2026
Published
22-09-2026

Abstract

The present study examined the potential of using Spathoglottis plicata Blume (Philippine ground orchid) as a sustainable landscape species by assessing the effects of different shade and spacing conditions. The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomised block design (RBD) with three levels of shade (0, 35 and 50 %) and three levels of spacing (60 × 45, 45 × 45 and 45 × 30 cm) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangements giving nine treatment combinations with each treatment replicated three times. Growth and flowering characters were recorded to assess the best conditions for ornamental performance.  Most traits showed significant interactions between shade and spacing. The treatment with 35 % shade and 60 × 45 cm spacing led to better vegetative growth and flowering performance such as better plant spread, bigger leaves, earlier bud visibility, earlier flowering, longer blooming period, larger flower diameter and a higher number of florets per inflorescence. On the other hand, heavier shade increased plant height but decreased flowering quality. Moderate shade and wider spacing will increase plant vigour, flower display and landscape value. Results indicate the good potential value of this species as a sustainable ornamental for landscape use, especially under partially shaded conditions. Further studies should test stress tolerance and management practices to refine practical cultivation guidelines for landscapes.

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