Pholidota longilabra

Also known as: The Long Lip Pholidota in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Indonesia

General Information

The Long Lip Pholidota is a sympodial cold growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Indonesia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10-15cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 3-6cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-6cm

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 152mm to 518mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 81% to 85%, highest in May and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 7C to 14C, highest in November (7C to 14C) and lowest in January (7C to 13C).

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.