Phaius montanus
Also known as: The Mountain Living Phaius or Phaius montanus var. seramicus Phaius tanjiewhoei in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
The Mountain Living Phaius is a sympodial warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 61-76cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 71cm long
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 79mm to 503mm per day, heaviest in February and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 80% to 88%, highest in February and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 16C to 26C, highest in August (18C to 26C) and lowest in January (16C to 22C).
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.
