Pholidota recurva

Also known as: The Recurved Pholidota in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan India Thailand

General Information

The Recurved Pholidota is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, India and Thailand. The name refers to the inflorescence.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15-46cm. Each new growth has numerous rigid lance shaped leaves that grow to 5-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-10cm

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 292mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 58% to 83%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 6C to 28C, highest in April (17C to 28C) and lowest in January (6C 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.