Arachnis labrosa

Also known as: The Lip or Renanthera bilinguis Renanthera leptantha Arachnanthe bilinguis Arachnis bilinguis Arhynchium labrosum Armodorum labrosum Arachnis zhaoi Arachnis labrosa var. zhaoi Arachnis labrosa var. labrosa in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan China Thailand

General Information

The Lip is a monopodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, China and Thailand.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-29cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

These orchids thrive in humid, cool, shady conditions with good airflow, they will be found under dense forest canopies where they will receive moderate sun exposure throughout the year.

When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 257mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 64% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 28C, highest in April (17C to 28C) and lowest in January (12C to 24C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly Repotting is best done annually.