Vtbijoy.

Rhynchostylis retusa - The Foxtail Orchid

Species Vandaceous

by Anu Dharmani

Originally published in BellaOnline

Posted by Sys Admin over 8 years ago.


This article references Rhy. retusa.
Article Blog   Article Index

It is also known by the names of Aerides spicatum, Epidendrum retusum, Gastrochilus retusa, Saccolabium berkeleyi and Saccolabium guttatum. It is commonly known by the name of ‘foxtail orchid’. Women use the flowers to decorate their hair. In some places the flowers are linked to love and fertility. 

It inhabits tropical regions of South Asian and South East Asian region, where it is quite common in occurrence. It prefers to grow up to an altitude of 900 meters. In its natural habitat Rhynchostylis retusa generally occurs on large trees, where only filtered sunlight reaches it. When growing in pure formations, i.e. in company of same species of orchid, it can cover the entire branch. It also can be seen growing in the company of other epiphytic ferns and orchids. Many times I observed ant colonies flourishing within its roots.

Rhynchostylis retusa has long drooping leaves which are deeply grooved in the middle and are dark green in colour. The beautiful white flowers are spotted in pink. They have a waxy surface and grow in pendulous a bunch. Though the flowers of Rhynchostylis retusa have a nice scent, but my orchid produced scented flowers only once. Lack of scent, however did not stop insects from visiting the flowers:).

This orchid is an epiphyte, so it can be best grown in hanging situations, like using the baskets or small logs etc. You can use any kind of porous material as potting medium. I used coconut husk as a potting medium as well as a basket. You can check out the picture of Rhynchostylis retusa. Porous medium is suggested here because epiphytes are used to living in drought like conditions on top of tree branches. So while watering this orchid keep in mind that there is no water stagnation. Only moist conditions are recommended. Otherwise the orchid will end up with rotted roots. Standing water in the pots also prevents free circulation of air around the roots, which can lead to development of fungal or other infections. 

Free movement of air around the orchid and its roots is very essential for its healthy growth. In its natural environment Rhynchostylis retusa see a lot of air circulation, so try to maintain that when growing this orchid. It prefers to grows in diffused sunlight, do not put it in open sun. 

For propagating Rhynchostylis retusa, you can separate orchid clumps with roots from the base and plant them in a new basket. Kiekies are another way to propagated it. I found this orchid quite an easy to grow.

Share on Social Media:  
Log in to Add a Comment

New Topics

  1. didier fouquet asked question Looking to import Vanilla Pompona schiede in category General Discussion
  2. Terre Moore asked question Orchids not in database in category General Discussion
  3. Judy Rutz asked question Looking to purchase in category General Discussion
  4. Nicolaas Chomenko asked question E. veratrifolia or Tolu. Louise Elmore ‘Elsa’ in category Other Genera
  5. Lilla Toelcke asked question Den. Somkiat blue in category General Discussion

New Comments

  1. Mary Lane commented on member plant Den. Tianmu Canary by Terre Moore
  2. Pamela Stegmaier commented on member plant Rlc. Esther Costa var. Orange Fantasy by Mary Lane
  3. Mary Lane commented on member plant Rth. Linda Vee var. Kira - Cluster Orange by Mary Lane
  4. William Gorski commented on topic "Looking to purchase" by Judy Rutz
  5. Robert Rand commented on member plant Cattlianthe Auri Guis by Robert Rand
  6. Julie Ellner commented on member plant Phal. amabilis var. formosanum by Vickie Seibert
  7. Julie Ellner commented on member plant Rlc. Green Dragoon 'Mendenhall' by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  8. Danielle Carbonneau commented on member plant Ons. Catatante 'Los Roble' by Henry Shaw
  9. Barry J Silver commented on orchid Lyon. SunCoast Pink Passion
  10. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Phalaenopsis William Kistler?" by Nicholas Filannino
  11. Carol Holdren commented on orchid Colm. Eric Gabriel Heines
  12. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Cattleya little susie" by Juliann Eckhard
  13. Carol Holdren commented on member plant Bc. Morning Glory by Chris Siolo
  14. R .Benson commented on member plant Kir. New Hybrid (Fred Clarke) SVO9831 by R .Benson
  15. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Blooming Stenglottis Venus “jamboree “" by John Urey
  16. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Lc. Canhamiana var. coerulea 'Cobalt' by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  17. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Sns. gemmata by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  18. Stefan Neher commented on topic "Orchid roots .com site?" by Mary Lane
  19. Kevin Barry commented on member plant Bul. Tammie Sue Pernas by Tony Pernas
  20. Kevin Bergeson commented on member plant Paph. rothschildianum by Kevin Bergeson