Care for Rhynchostylis Gigantea

[suzziy]

I received a Rhyncostylis gigantea orchid (baby) for Christmas and am wondering if anyone has one and/or knows how to care for this orchid.

I received some literature and the care seems similiar to carrying for a vanda without full sun.

[digitalgate]

no, they require less light(more than Phalaenopsis less than Cattleya) during growing stage and more light before flowering.(close to full sun)

[jerrymeola]

These are Vandaceous orchids and growth is much the same as any other Vanda, except they be even slower growing. It is hard to guess how small you are calling a baby. A young plant can easily take 8 years to flower.

Young plants should not be allowed to dry out for any length of time. This is why digitalgate said lower light for young plants and almost full sun for adults. It is better to grow it in a pot while very young and can be moved to a basket later.

If you are anywhere near Sarasota this weekend there will be many colors in bloom on display. The show is Jan 3-4 10-4 Municipal auditorium 801 N. Tamiami Trail, US #41, Sarasota, Fl.

[lmartiny]

Jerry, If I can get down there, how would we find your booth?

[Ron]

Hi Suzziy
I have only one Rhynchostylis gigantea, bought it about 6-7 years ago in a 2 inch pot
It finally flowered this year and I think most of the reason for its slow growth was I kept it too cool.
It is now growing on the same bench as my Phallies and looks good.
I bought it because my friend had a beauty and I like it.
As for growing mix, I use a 15 mm bark only.
It has a big thick root system and I suspect it roots like to ramble around.
Beautiful plant when in flower

Cheerio
Ron

[lmartiny]

Ron, very pretty.
Suzziy, I've had three small vandas I've tried to hang free form and just gave up on that recently. I've put them in slatted baskets with bark mix. They weren't happy. I'm losing one. I hope the others get happier.
Where in FL are you? There are a number of FL geeks.

[jerrymeola]

Imartiny

My booth at Sarasota has been moved this year. I believe I am on the right side as you enter toward the back. There are only 12 vendors.

My booth has a high bar across the front with several ex-large mounted orchids and if you follow the chocolate smell I will have about 50 multiple spike Sharry Baby. Usually I am the only person with Nobile Dendrobiums in bloom and there will be a lot on the front table.

We are also the only vendor with Zisha pots from Purple Clay Pottery.

I am the featured speaker at 11 on Saturday. I will be discussing Organic growing with Worm Tea, Bracillus bacteria and growth hormones.

As far as gigantia, I will have the solid red, solid white and the red and white spited varieties in bloom.

[lmartiny]

I think a short drive to Sarasota with a stroll through an Orchid show capped off with a nice lunch sounds like a fun Saturday after all of the holiday craziness. I'm going to suggest it to my husband.

[jerrymeola]

Last year the club had arrangements with Marie Selby Gardens for a special luncheon in combination with the show. I think it was a discounted admission if you did both.

The gardens are beautiful. Dave posted a lot of photos from his visit there on the orchid gallery - search 'marie selby'

[mitko]

Suzziy, like you i have rhynchostilis gigantea red- babe . By seller the plants are between 9 and 12 months old . I bought it in 2 inches pot without media in august 2008 . I bought it together with a small vanda in same size pot from e-bay .The seller is thai . Plants arrived in an envelope in very nice condition. Both plants are feeling good, vanda has 3 new leaves and 1 new root , rhyncho has just started growing 1st new leaf. I have a little experiance growing babe orchids, i have had 3 flasks with babe orchids . The plants are in my orchidarium/maybe the right word for this is vivarium -1.20 m/90sm/60sm/ and have water every day , fertiliser every other week and a lot of light .They are about 20 sm under luminiscent bulb- 3x30 W , high humidity- night 80- day-90 %.
Ron , thank you for shareing these pics, beautiful blooming , congrats ! Suzziy, we have to be very patient to see our rhynchos bloomig like Ron`s , i`m affraid
Here new arrivals

[digitalgate]

oh, that will be a long wait for flowers. I would say may be 4 years before you see any spike.

[mitko]

Yes, Digitalgate, i will waiting that moment These babes will have enough care and love and hope they will surprise me .

[Ron]

Hi Mitko.
rhynchostilis gigantea red- babe, Lovely photo and show a lot.
That is how the previous grower grew it and from the leaves it has been grown very well.
One could only say why change the growing medium too drastic.
Perhaps same medium as Vandas in pots, large course open medium.
Worth a thought, that is why I love the Orchid Geeks, plenty of photos and a chance to see our others grow there plants.
Best of luck
Ron