About
This medium-sized, epiphytic orchid, up to 45cm tall, with elongated, cylindrical, fleshy pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb is covered with alternate, leaf-bearing sheaths. The leaves are strap-shaped, pale or mid-green, up to 35cm long and 6cm wide. The leaves are semi-deciduous, lasting on plant for one, occasionally up to two seasons. Pendulous flowering stems emerge from nodes on new, mature pseudobulbs and carry 2-10 flowers. The flower are down-facing and may be male or female. Sex of the flowers is determined by light levels, with brighter conditions producing female flowers. Each flower is glossy, deep red-coloured, approximately 8cm across, lasting up to 10 days.
About the genus
A genus of hybrid, deciduous flowering trees with long, tapered dark green foliage and large, frilly pink or white flowers with striped throats, appearing in the summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open orchid mix of medium-grade bark and sphagnum moss with addition of perlite or horticultural charcoal. Provide bright, full-sun conditions which are essential for development of flowering stems. Long daylight are also essential, with minimum of 10 hours throughout the year. In the UK, supplemential grow lights might be required to support strong growth development and flowering. Night temperatures shouldn't drop below 15°C, but the plant will tolerate daytime temperatures up to 30-35°C during summer. Water and feed plants often during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in water. Reduce watering to minimum in winter months while dormant 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. Remove the flowering stem once finished flowering.
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, mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free.