About
A tropical, epiphytic orchid producing a clump of upright, spindle-shaped, fleshy stems, which serve as the plants storage of water and energy. Each stems carries two opposite, evergreen, fleshy leaves which remain on the plant over couple of seasons. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, approximately 15-20cm long and 5-7 cm wide. Striking, dark-red flowers emerge from the centre on the top of matured stems.
About the genus
An orchid nothogenus (a genus which denotes a hybrid or a cross) for intergeneric hybrid greges (plural of grex) containing at least one ancestor species from each of the two ancestral genera Cattleya and Guarianthe, and from no other genera
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum 28 °C during summer day. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting too wet. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationMature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older growths with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs. Thrips may cause damage on flowers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases