About
An epiphytic orchid with oval to strap-shaped leaves and reed-like stems. Terminal clusters of orange, red, yellow or white flowers, 1-2cm acrosswith narrow petals and sepals and prominent lips are borne from winter into spring.
About the genus
A large genus of over 1800 neotropical orchids, hugely varying in size and appearance. Long, cylindrical, reed-like stems (pseudobulbs) grow in tufts on a short rhizome and carry mostly terminal, sometimes lateral flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Houseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in epiphytic orchid compost and from late spring to summer, in partial shade with good ventilation, day temperatures between 18-25°C and night above 10°C, water freely adding orchid fertiliser every third watering and provide high humidity by misting twice daily. Keep in well lit conditions from autumn to early spring and keep dry in winter. See indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required, cut down flowered stems as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free