Phaius occidentalis

Native to: Angola Malawi Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

General Information

Phaius occidentalis is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Angola, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Altitude

1100 - 1400 m

2500

Size

61 - 61 cm

Miniature

Small

Medium

Large

Extra Large

Giant

Flower Size

4 - 6 cm

Small

Medium

Large

Humidity

78 - 83 %

100

Temperature

16 - 22 °C

Cold

Cool

Intermediate

Warm

Hot

Light

22000 - 32000 lux

Full Shade

Low

Medium

High

Full Sun

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 61cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic leaves that grow to 20-41cm long

Substrate(s)

Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 66mm to 257mm per day, heaviest in April and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 78% to 83%, highest in April and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 16C to 27C, highest in January (18C to 27C) and lowest in July (16C to 25C).

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.