Phaius actinomorphus

General Information

Phaius actinomorphus is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 40-60cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 20-56cm long

Flowers

Numerous self pollinating blossoms appear during Winter

Blooming Season

• Winter

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 15mm to 399mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 79% to 84%, highest in February and lowest in November. Temperature ranges from 7C to 28C, highest in July (21C to 28C) and lowest in January (7C to 16C).

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.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly