Schoenorchis juncifolia

Also known as: The Reed or Saccolabium juncifolium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Reed is a monopodial warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous terete shaped leaves that grow to 0.27-16cm long. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth and forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer

Blooming Season

• Summer

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 254mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 62% to 79%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 14C to 26C, highest in March (17C to 26C) and lowest in January (14C to 24C).

Watering

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.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.