Rhynchostylis gigantea

Rhynchostylis gigantea is a species of orchid. This species was first described in 1896 by John Lindley and is native to Borneo, Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China (Hainan) and the Philippines.Rhynchostylis differs from Vanda by the one-lobed lip. Rhynchostylis are also commonly called foxtail orchids because of their long, thin, densely packed inflorescences that get up to 37 centimetres (15 in) with sweetly fragrant blooms. The inflorescences appear in autumn and winter. Due to the wide distribution of Rhynchostylis gigantea, there is a range of different clones: flowers vary slightly in shape and colour (from white to dark red, with spotted forms). Unlike Vanda species, they need indirect light. Rhynchostylis gigantea are best grown in a wood-slat basket with little or no potting material and will grow massive fleshy roots entangled throughout the basket if given uniform water and fertilizer. The plants are warm- to hot-growing. it is the state flower of the Indian state of Assam where it is known as kopouful (কপৌফুল) in Assamese.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Rhynchostylis

Family

Orchidaceae

Hardiness Zone

10-13

Mature Height

40 cm

Mature Spread

52 cm

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

White

Flower Size

2.54 cm to 5.08 cm

Bloom Time

Mid winter, Late winter, Early spring

Planting Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Tags (6)

Common Names (1)