Grammatophyllum

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Description. Grammatophyllum - one of the largest orchids with huge flower stalks several meters long in adult plants. Most species behave like epiphytes, less often - like terrestrial herbaceous plants. The pseudobulbs are yellow, very long or, on the contrary, thick and short, each bears several leaves arranged in two rows. The leaves are linear, 50 - 100 cm long and about 3 cm wide, hanging from the base. The flowers are large (up to 10 cm in diameter), almost flat, sepals and petals are pale yellow or greenish, brown, densely speckled with chestnut specks, fragrant. The lip is yellow, with red-brown streaks. Peduncles reach a height of 2 m or more. Flowering occurs every two to four years and lasts up to two months. It has been noted that lack of moisture can cause mass flowering.

Height. 2 m and above.

Grammatophyllum - home care

Temperature conditions

The ideal temperature range during the day is 24 - 30 ° C, decreasing to 13 ° - 15 ° C at night. The minimum acceptable temperature for this orchid is 10°C, the maximum is 38°C for short periods of time. 

Lighting

Grammatophyllum requires a moderately lit place without direct sunlight during the day. Foliage color is an excellent indicator of lack or excess of light. Dark leaves indicate insufficient lighting, yellowed foliage indicates its excess.

Care

These olrichids are rarely seen in cultivation due to their enormous size. If you decide to make such a purchase, be prepared to devote a lot of time and effort to this plant. Remove old leaves and pseudobulbs to prevent moisture accumulation.

Substrate for orchids

A mixture of 4 parts rough pine bark, 2 parts pumice or perlite and 1 part charcoal.

Feeding

During the growing season, fertilize at half the concentration every seven days, since the root system reacts negatively to excess salts in the soil. In autumn and winter, feed once a month. Grammatophyllum is very fond of organic fertilizers.

Purpose

The flower is usually grown in pots, hanging baskets or simply on a piece of wood. It is worth giving the bush enough space to develop.

Flowering time

May – July.

Air humidity

Grammatophyllum requires less humidity than most orchids, but it is worth growing using a room humidifier. In the summer heat, it is necessary to proportionally increase the air humidity; in addition, good air movement must be ensured near the plant.

Water orchids at home

Water frequently and generously during active growth, but do not allow water to accumulate in the pan - pour out excess. Between waterings, the top layer of soil should be slightly dried. For watering, use soft water at room temperature. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. 

Transfer

This orchid is quite resistant to transplants, which are carried out after the flowering period, but before the start of new growth. Before removing the plant from the old pot, water it thoroughly and let the water soak in for 10 minutes, then it will be easier to remove it from the container. Some larger species are best placed in hanging baskets, as the root system develops quickly and can break ordinary pots.

Reproduction

Adult specimens are propagated by division, with each part having at least four pseudobulbs. The divisions are placed in a warm place, in partial shade.

Pests and diseases

The main danger from harmful insects can be spider mites, nematodes, scale insects, aphids and mealybugs.