Dendrophylax funalis

Also known as: Corded Ghost Orchid or Trichocentrum funale Epidendrum funale Limodorum funale Angraecum funale Rope-Like Dendrophylax in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Jamaica

General Information

Corded Ghost Orchid is a medium sized warm to hot growing leafless orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Jamaica.

Plant Description

Grows to 1-30cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Autumn, Winter and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring
• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Charcoal

Care Notes

This orchid is leafless so does best mounted, watering daily during warmer months and not so often during the cool months. Keep humidity high at all times to prevent roots from dying back, and provide gentle airflow to ensure that the roots do not gather mould and rot in cool weather. Because of their velamin coating the roots can withstand plenty of light, however it's best to keep them in the shade during hot weather so that the roots do not overheat.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 15mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 79%, highest in October and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 14C to 28C, highest in July (19C to 28C) and lowest in March (14C to 26C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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

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

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots