Oeoniella polystachys

Also known as: The Richly or Macradenia polystachya Angraecum polystachyum Listrostachys pescatoriana Angraecum pescatorianum Aeranthes polystachya Angraecum kimballianum Angorchis polystachya Beclardia polystachya Oeonia polystachya in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

The Richly is a large intermediate to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Grows to 60cm. Each new growth has numerous thick oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.2-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-60cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Autumn and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

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.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 99mm to 452mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 81% to 86%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 18C to 30C, highest in July (23C to 30C) and lowest in February (18C to 24C).

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.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

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,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.