About
An epiphytic orchid with woody stems to 20cm long carrying leathery, lanceolate leaves. Up to 25 flowers are borne on stems to around 45cm long from winter into spring; flowers to 6cm long are pale yellow with 1-3 purple spots on the petals and 3-lobed lips.
About the genus
Renanthera is a genus of large, scrambling epiphytic and terrestrial orchids native to China and the Himalayas. Orchids within this genus produce branched stems with an abundance of flowers in shades of yellow, orange of red.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
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
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