Gastrochilus obliquus

Also known as: The Slanting Gastrochilus or Vanda obliqua Saccolabium obliquum Gastrochilus obliquus var. suavis Gastrochilus obliquus var. obliquus Saccolabium bigibbum Gastrochilus bigibbus Gastrochilus suavis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan Myanmar Sikkim - India Thailand

General Information

The Slanting Gastrochilus is a monopodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, Myanmar, India, and Thailand. The name refers to the sepals and petals gradual margins.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 2-34cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.9-17cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 818mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 57% to 86%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 6C to 28C, highest in April (21C to 28C) and lowest in January (6C to 19C).

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.