Phaius columnaris

Also known as: The Column or Phaius guizhouensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: China

General Information

The Column is a cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous arching lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 30-60cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15-25cm

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 338mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 66% to 79%, highest in March and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 5C to 33C, highest in July (24C to 33C) and lowest in January (5C 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.

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,