Renanthera storiei

Also known as: Storie's Renanthera or Renanthera storiei f. citrina Renanthera storiei h.v. storiei in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bicol - Philippines

General Information

Storie's Renanthera is a medium to giant sized monopodial hot growing epiphytic free-flowering orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines. It is named after the English Orchid Collector in the 19th century SE Asia.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 400cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 2.5-15cm long. The plant has a climbing growth habit

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear readily

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 124mm to 620mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in June. Humidity ranges from 82% to 91%, highest in January and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 21C to 30C, highest in May (22C to 30C) and lowest in January (21C to 27C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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.

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

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly Repotting is best done annually.