Rhyncostylis gigantea

I have 2 out of 4 Rhyncostylis gigantea in bloom now. The flower spikes of the other 2 somehow stop developing after about 2cm. They were probably victims to aphids or thrips 2-3 months ago when I was occupied elsewhere. I bought them in January 2004 and they bloom again in January last year. The 2 in bloom in fact they were late this year and perhaps this is what saves the flowers. I have tried on occasions to cut back the use of pesticides but each with disastrous results. My next-door neighbor who planted a wall of “greens” also engaged a contractor to maintain their plants and will perform fogging weekly.





The Rhyncostylis gigantea I own has 2 flower varieties - one purple with white markings and the other mostly white with dark pink spots. Both are fragrant and can throw multiple spikes at the same time.

This genus has only 4 species. They are commonly used in hybridization to produce desirable characteristics in hybrids. They can be found from India to Southeast Asia to the Philippines. This genus differs from Vandas by the one-lobed lip. They prefer some shade instead of direct sun. It is a monopodial genus with leathery leaves and fragrant flowers. Being monopodial means that they need uniform watering and consistent feeding application to do well.

I have read that they prefer wood slat basket culture with little or no potting material but I have mine in a pot with Sphagnum moss. This is just the condition when I bought them 2 years ago. The pots are hung under shade cloth in a planter rack that I bought specially for my orchids.