Pholidota gibbosa

Also known as: The Humped Pholidota or Pholidota caduca Pholidota clypeata Coelogyne clypeata Chelonanthera clypeata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Humped Pholidota is a sympodial warm growing epiphytic free-flowering orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, rigid leaves that grow to 20-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 7.5-10cm. The plant has a climbing growth habit

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear readily

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 51mm to 254mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 62% to 79%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 13C to 24C, highest in March (15C to 24C) and lowest in January (13C to 22C).

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.