Phaius pulcher

Also known as: The Beautiful Phaius in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

The Beautiful Phaius is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 30-61cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4cm

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 48mm to 229mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 78% to 83%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 11C to 24C, highest in July (17C to 24C) and lowest in January (11C to 18C).

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 are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,