Tainia penangiana

Also known as: The Penang Tainia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: China Kedah - Malaysia Myanmar Sikkim - India Thailand

General Information

The Penang Tainia is a medium sized warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China, Malaysia, Myanmar, India, and Thailand. It is named after the State in Malaysia.

Plant Description

Grows to 65cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 4.4-65cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-23cm. The plant forms clusters over time

Substrate(s)

• Fine
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite
• Sand

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 79mm to 330mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 74% to 82%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 18C to 29C, highest in March (19C to 29C) and lowest in January (18C to 27C).

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

This orchid prefers a fine, well draining media. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they may have 'wetting agents' that retain water for too long. A simple mix made up of 20% sand, 50% peat or moss, with the remaining 30% made up of decomposed bark and leaf litter would be adequate. Adding some charcoal to the mix will also help it last longer.

Repotting depends on how wet the media is usually. Every 2-3 years would suffice, or whenever the media shows signs of clumping, staying wet for too long, or smells foul.  

Repotting is best done annually.