Phaius mishmensis

Also known as: The Mishmi Hills Phaius or Phaius augustinianus Phaius cupreus Phaius crinita Calanthe crinita Phaius roseus Calanthe ramosa In Japan Hime-kaku-ran in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Mishmi Hills Phaius is a large sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the In Northeastern India.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 60-140cm. Each new growth has numerous thick elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 15-30cm long

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 257mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 64% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 10C to 26C, highest in April (15C to 26C) and lowest in January (10C to 23C).

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.