Phaius

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Australia, Asia, Madagascar island.

Description. The genus Phaius consists of approximately 30 species of large terrestrial orchids. Pseudobulbs are round, large - reaching 5 - 7 cm in diameter. The leaves are tender, green, belt-shaped, with longitudinal veins, drooping, up to 60 - 100 cm long. Leafless peduncles reach a height of 1 m, crowned with many bright, charming flowers. The flowers are fragrant, 7 - 10 cm in diameter, white, crimson, pink, brown, yellow, orange. Each bud can be painted in several shades at the same time.

Height. Peduncles reach 120 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

If possible, provide the plant with a difference in daily temperatures - during the daytime the temperature should be 22 - 26 ° C, decreasing at night to 14 - 18 ° C. Even in the winter months, the room temperature should not fall below 10 ° C.

Lighting

The location should have a large amount of reflected sunlight, but direct rays should not fall on the leaves during the daytime. Artificial lighting is successfully used when growing orchids.

Care

Phaius is one of the most unpretentious orchids. Tall flower stalks carry large buds and may require support to grow.

Substrate for orchids

A moisture- and breathable coarse fiber substrate consisting of sphagnum moss, peat, pine bark or coconut fiber. The soil should have an acidic pH. 

Feeding

With the beginning of growth, fertilize with fertilizers for orchids monthly, in half concentration. In autumn, feeding is stopped until spring. 

Purpose

Phaius flowers do not lose their attractiveness for a long time when cut.

Flowering time

Spring, long flowering. 

Air humidity

Air humidity should be at least 50%. Place the orchid pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. Spraying is undesirable as it can leave whitish spots on the leaves. Plants need a room with good air circulation. 

Water orchids at home

In spring and summer, you only need to dry the soil a little between waterings. In autumn, watering is reduced and the substrate should dry to a depth of 3–5 cm before each subsequent watering. For irrigation, only soft water should be used. 

Transfer

Replant phaius every 2 years in unglazed clay pots, in spring or after flowering.

Reproduction

Reproduction is most successful by division during transplantation. 3-4 pseudobulbs are planted in separate pots. Reproduction is possible by pieces of peduncles or seeds. 

Pests and diseases

Moisture on the leaves without sufficient air movement promotes the development of fungal diseases, especially in the fall and winter.

Of the harmful insects, the main danger may be aphids, thrips and spider mites.