Rhynchostylis Care

Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Botanical Name: Rhynchostylis gigantea
Plant Common Name: Orchid, Rhynchostylis

General Description
Leathery leaves are a lovely foil above the dense flower clusters of small white and violet-purple flowers of the giant rhynchostylis orchid in autumn and winter. A large clumping tropical orchid, this species is from the hot, very humid forests of southeastern Asia from Myanmar (Burma) to Vietnam. It is an epiphyte (growing upon another plant) that experiences lots of humidity and rain in summer but a markedly drier winter.

It does not grow in soil; it should be mounted upon a tropical tree or palm trunk, nestled in a hanging wooden slat basket or heavy container with coarse bark.

If grown indoors it is best in a hot to warm greenhouse or sunroom that is high in humidity. There must be good air circulation around this orchid to prevent rot. Leaves should never be dark green, which usually indicates too low of light. The small flowers can be cut and used for leis, table decorations or hair decals. This orchid resents root disturbance and thus should be repotted only when it is heavily root bound, and then only in early spring when new root growth is just starting. Never repot when flowers or buds are present.

Characteristics

• Sun Exposure: Partial Sun, Partial Shade.  Grow giant rhynchostylis orchid in very bright partial shade to very bright shade, always protected from direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scalding in summer.

• Bloom Time: Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter

Growing Conditions

• Soil Drainage: Well Drained

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Water Requirements: Average Water.  Placing the plant over a tray of rocks filled with water can increase humidity in the dry home environment.  The rhynchostylis love moisture so keep roots moist, not wet

• Temperature requirements: A range of 60 - 80 degrees F .

Ornamental Features

• Flower Color: White, Lavender, Violet, Plum