Acanthophippium sylhetense

Also known as: The Sylhet Acanthephippium or Acanthophippium ringiflorum Acanthophippium curtisii var. albidum Acanthophippium yamamotoi In Japan - Enrei-shoki-ran in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Assam - India Bangladesh Malaysia Thailand

General Information

The Sylhet Acanthephippium is a small to medium sized cool to hot growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is named after a town in Bangladesh.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous thick terete shaped leaves

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer, Autumn and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring
• Summer

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well. Repotting is best done after the growing season when the plant has died back.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.