Rhynchostylis orchids are a type of tropical plant that produces stunning waxy flowers in a long and elegant inflorescence. These plants are native to Southeast Asia, Myanmar, and Thailand and grow on trees as epiphytes. They feature long, dark green leaves and have a unique and consistent fragrance that is present throughout the genus, regardless of the season in which the species blooms. For example, the Rhynchostylis Spot Cartoon Orchid has a white body adorned with maroon flower spots
About Rhynchostylis Orchids
Several common names, including Saccolabium Albolineatum and Gastrochilus Giganteus, refer to Rhynchostylis orchid. The name Rhynchostylis comes from the Greek words “rhynchos” (beak) and “stylis” (column). This is due to the characteristic beak-like column shape of these orchid species. Rhynchostylis orchids produce sprays of small flowers in cream, red, lavender, or blue colours and share similarities with Vanda orchids. These plants are relatively easy to grow in small pots but require a bit of maintenance to thrive. There are two popular varieties of Rhynchostylis orchids: Rhynchostylis Retusa and Rhynchostylis Gigantea. In addition to those, there are other types of Rhynchostylis orchids such as Rhynchostylis Coelestis and Rhynchostylis rieferi, but for now, let’s focus on the two most popular ones.
Rhynchostylis Retusa
Rhynchostylis Retusa known as foxtail orchids boasts show-stopping aesthetics with its elegant flower spikes. The plant features hanging flower spikes with densely packed pink and white blooms arranged in a slender, narrowing inflorescence that can grow up to 15 inches in height. This plant’s striking appearance, coupled with its delightful scent, makes it a top choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. You can easily propagate Rhynchostylis Retusa by germinating seeds or separating the rootstock or stem cuttings from an adult plant. Additionally, it is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in small pots and gives you beautiful flowers during the spring.
Rhynchostylis Gigantea
Rhynchostylis gigantea with a spicy fragrance is well-known among horticulturalists. This orchid species can grow up to 25 inches tall, while its counterpart, Rhynchostylis Retusa, has a long flower cluster. Cultivating Rhynchostylis Gigantea is not difficult, as long as it is given the appropriate growing conditions. Lindley, a notable botanist, made a detailed description of this orchid species. One of its distinctive features is the absence of pseudobulbs, with thick roots and dark green leaves instead. The blooms of Rhynchostylis gigantea are also noteworthy, as they can last up to two weeks during January and February. These flowers come in red, purple, and white, often with spotted designs. Also, Giant Rhynchostylis stands out with its clustered, sweetly fragrant blooms that attract gardeners and flower lovers.
Other Varieties of Rhynchostylis Orchids
Rhynchostylis orchid categories majorly have two distinct types of wild and hybrid types of flowers. Wild Rhynchostylis orchids grow on trees or rocks in forests and jungles. These orchids are not only easy to grow, but they also possess a unique exotic beauty. Rhynchostylis Retusa is a rare and stunning wild orchid. Because of its dense, bushy inflorescence, it is also called the “foxtail orchid.”. In spring or winter, the clustering bunch of more than 100 white and pink flowers on this plant look mesmerizing.
Aside from wild orchids, our nursery offers a variety of hybrid Rhynchostylis orchids. These orchids are created through the process of hybridization, where two different species of orchids are crossbred to produce a new variety. Hybrid Rhynchostylis orchids include the Rhynchostylis Creamy Orchid, which features creamy orange flowers, and the Hybrid Rhynchostylis Moon White Orchid, which has large white flowers with a moon-like appearance. The other species, Rhynchostylis Pink Blue has delicate pink and blue flowers, while the Rhynchostylis Red Orchid has bright red flowers that stand out against its green foliage. All of these flowers emit a delicate, sweet fragrance that adds to their beauty.
Temperature
Rhynchostylis orchids thrive in warm and humid environments since they are epiphytic plants. They have a broad range of temperature tolerance, but they can’t survive in frosty conditions. For optimal growth, it is recommended to maintain a daytime temperature of 22°C to 30°C, with a slight drop of 5-8°C at night.
Lighting for Attractive Blooms of Rhynchostylis Orchids
Rhynchostylis orchids require specific lighting conditions for optimal growth and blooming. When planted outdoors, it’s important to provide them with partial shade rather than direct sunlight. Place them near a south or southeast-facing window with bright but indirect light is ideal. A minimum of 8 hours of sunlight each day is necessary for these orchids to bloom properly. Failure to provide sufficient lighting can result in a lack of blooming.
Watering
For the health of Rhynchostylis orchid, proper watering is a crucial factor. Overwatering can cause the potting medium to become waterlogged, leading to root rot. In humid conditions, it’s important to maintain moist soil, and misting can help achieve this. During the growing stage, frequent watering is necessary to keep the potting medium moist. However, if the plants have enough water, it’s not necessary to water them further. The frequency of watering should be based on the potting medium and may range from once to twice per week.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Rhynchostylis orchids is essential for promoting the growth and blooming of Rhynchostylis orchids. The frequency of fertilization should be based on the specific species of orchid and done during the second to fourth watering. A balanced NPK fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 or 30-10-10, or a high-nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer with ¼ strength, should be applied once a week during the growing season. In winter, fertilization once a month is sufficient. These orchids require more frequent fertilization during the growing period than during the resting period. However, it’s not necessary to fertilize them during the resting period, as it won’t harm the plants.
Humidity
Rhynchostylis orchids prefer high-humidity areas. They thrive in humid conditions with good air circulation. Ideally, the humidity levels should be around 70% to 80% to promote optimal growth. A location with good air circulation and optimal humidity is the best way to grow these orchids. In cases where humidity is lacking, misting and placing a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles near the orchids can be helpful.
Blooming
Rhynchostylis orchids bloom during the winter to the spring season, typically around January to February. Adequate lighting is a crucial factor in promoting blooming in these orchids. Depending on the species of Rhynchostylis, the flowers can last for a minimum of two weeks to a longer period. These orchids come in a wide range of coloured blooms, with many varieties and shapes and a mesmerizing scent.
Potting, Medium and Repotting of Rhynchostylis Orchids
Types of Rhynchostylis orchid should be planted in small clay or hanging pots that have a good drainage system. These orchids thrive in a potting medium of bark or moss, and perlite or charcoal can also be used. When planting or moving your Rhynchostylis orchids to a new pot, it is important to carefully handle their roots and use soil that allows excess water to drain away easily. Repotting is only necessary if the plant outgrows the size of the container or if there are severe diseases. Avoid frequent repotting, but it’s okay to repot if the potting medium becomes old or the pot breaks.
