Phaius tuberculosus
Also known as: The Tuber in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Madagascar
General Information
The Tuber is a large sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 30-60cm. Each new growth has numerous erect oblong shaped leaves that grow to 15-61cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-6cm
Substrate(s)
- Charcoal
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 99mm to 452mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 81% to 86%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 14C to 27C, highest in July (20C to 27C) and lowest in February (14C to 21C).
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.
