Polystachya caloglossa

Also known as: The Beuatiful Lipped Polystachya or Polystachya excelsa in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cameroon Congo Uganda

General Information

The Beuatiful Lipped Polystachya is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cameroon, Congo and Uganda.

Plant Description

Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.3-17cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-40cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 381mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 55% to 85%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 15C to 29C, highest in January (17C to 29C) and lowest in January (15C to 24C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.