Pholidota yunnanensis

Also known as: The Yunnan Pholidota or Coelogyne rolfei Pholidota kouytcheensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: China

General Information

The Yunnan Pholidota is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 9-19cm. Each new growth has numerous rigid lance shaped leaves that grow to 5-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-5cm. The plant has a climbing growth habit and can form a mat over time

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 20mm to 213mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 71% to 78%, highest in November and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 2C to 29C, highest in July (21C to 29C) and lowest in January (2C to 9C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

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.