Coryanthes boyi

Also known as: Boy's Coryanthes or Coryanthes rutkisii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Boy's Coryanthes is a sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 7-34cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3.2-9cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as spicy

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 262mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 70% to 81%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 22C to 31C, highest in March (22C to 31C) and lowest in January (22C to 28C).

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.