Gastrochilus fuscopunctatus

Also known as: The Yellow or Saccolabium fuscopunctatum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Yellow is a monopodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the spotting on the leaves of the plant.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 4-7cm. Each new growth has numerous erect oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.4-2.2cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 912mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 78% to 92%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 4C to 21C, highest in August (13C to 21C) and lowest in January (4C to 14C).

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.

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. Repotting is best done annually.