Gastrochilus intermedius
Also known as: The Intermediate Gastrochilus or Saccolabium intermedium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Bhutan India Thailand
General Information
The Intermediate Gastrochilus is a medium sized monopodial cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, India and Thailand.
Plant Description
Monopodial. Grows to 20-60cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 0.7-20cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Medium
- Bark
- Charcoal
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Care Notes
These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.
These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 6mm to 545mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 51% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 4C to 24C, highest in April (18C to 24C) and lowest in January (4C to 16C).
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
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.