Rhynchostylis gigantea (Foxtail Orchid)

Rhynchostylis gigantea (Foxtail Orchid) is a fairly large, monopodial (rarely producing more than one stem), epiphytic orchid species boasting 3 to 4 pendulous, densely packed inflorescences with up to 50 highly fragrant flowers. Blooming in late winter to early spring, the waxy blossoms, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are white, with red-violet, amethyst-purple, or magenta spots, and they feature a red-purple lip with darker veins. They last about 2 weeks. The dark green, strap-shaped leaves, 12 in. long (30 cm), are very thick and leathery, and often marked with prominent, pale green, longitudinal stripes. Native from China to Malesia, Rhynchostylis gigantea is a warm to hot growing orchid species found on tree trunks in open woodland and lowland forest to 3300 ft. (1000 m). Rhynchostylis gigantea is known for disliking root disturbance, so growth in a slatted wooden box is recommended.

• Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm).
• Grows best when exposed to very bright light. Sunlight should be strong, but not direct. Provide strong air movement.
• Grows best when hanging loosely on its aerial roots. Place it in wooden baskets without adding any substrate or fix it to tree ferns or cork without substrate around the roots. Alternatively, grow it using pots filled with a very loose medium (fir bark and charcoal in equal parts), which allows the roots to dry quickly after watering.
• Needs an average night temperature of 74-77°F (24-25°C) and a daytime temperature of 89-91°F (32-33°C).
• Maintain adequate humidity (80%) for most of the year, with a slight reduction (70-75%) in winter and early spring. Set the plant on a tray of gravel, partially filled with water.
• Water abundantly during the active growth period, making sure the roots dry quickly dry after watering. Water sparingly in winter.
• Feed every week with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of balanced fertilizer for orchids during the active growth period. You may want to use a high-nitrogen fertilizer during the period of intensive growth, switching to a high-phosphorus fertilizer in late summer and fall to promote flowering. No fertilization during the rest period in winter.
• Propagate by division when the plant overflows the pot.
• Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent flower spikes.
• Repot every year if the plant is grown in a container filled with a mixture of bark. Repot when new roots are just beginning to grow.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Borneo, and Indonesia.