Phaius luteus

Also known as: The Egg in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

The Egg is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 20-40cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5cm

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 74mm to 478mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 82% to 86%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 10C to 24C, highest in July (17C to 24C) and lowest in January (10C to 19C).

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 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.

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.