Phaius humblotii

Also known as: Humblot's Phaius in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

Humblot's Phaius is a medium to large sized sympodial warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar. It is named after the French Orchid Collector - Madagascar in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 45-80cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 35-40cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

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 to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 264mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 65% to 83%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 13C to 25C, highest in June (17C to 25C) and lowest in January (13C to 22C).

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well. Repotting is best done after the growing season when the plant has died back.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.