Ascocentrum ampullaceum

Also known as: Vein or In Thailand Khao kae - Khem daeng in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bangkok - Thailand Bhutan China India

General Information

Vein is a monopodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Thailand, Bhutan, China, and India. It is named after the Lip Spur.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 7.5-12.5cm. Each new growth has numerous rigid leaves that grow to 1.2-15cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal

Climate

The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.

For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants. 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 274mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 55% to 84%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 13C to 36C, highest in April (23C to 36C) and lowest in February (13C to 29C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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 This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.