Rhynchostylis gigantea Cartoon (Select Pink/white) Foxtail Orchid, Aerides 2 Plant

2 Plant Small / seedling size , pot 1"
Rhynchostylis gigantea Cartoon (Select Pink/white) Foxtail Orchid, Aerides 2 Plant
🌿 Overview

Type: Epiphytic orchid (lives attached to trees, not in soil)

Native range: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines

Flowering: Typically December–February (cool-dry season)

Fragrance: Strong, sweet-spicy, often compared to jasmine or vanilla

🪴 Growing Conditions
1. Light

Medium to bright filtered light (50–70% shade cloth).

Too little light → no flowers; too much → leaf scorch.

Leaves should be a healthy medium green, not dark green (too little light) or yellow (too much light).

2. Temperature

Warm-growing: Day 25–32 °C, Night 18–22 °C.

Tolerates short drops to 15 °C but prolonged cold will slow growth.

3. Watering

Growing season (spring–autumn): Water daily or every other day, keeping roots moist but airy.

Flowering season / cooler months: Reduce watering slightly to encourage bloom spikes.

4. Humidity & Airflow

60–80% humidity.

Good airflow is essential to prevent rot; fans or natural breeze help a lot.

5. Mounting & Potting

Best grown mounted on hardwood or in a wooden/slatted basket with coarse charcoal, bark, or no medium.

Roots dislike being crowded in soggy medium — they prefer air circulation.

6. Fertilizing

Use balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20 or similar) at ¼–½ strength weekly during growth.

Switch to a bloom booster (higher phosphorus) in late autumn to stimulate spikes.

🌸 Blooming Tips

Needs seasonal cues: slightly less water, cooler nights, and bright light in late autumn.

Avoid moving or disturbing the plant once spikes start forming — damage can cause bud blast.

⚠️ Common Problems

Root rot: Usually from poor drainage or overwatering in cool weather.

No blooms: Usually due to insufficient light, too much nitrogen late in the year, or no seasonal change.

Leaf burn: Direct midday sun without shading.