The Rhyncostylis (aka Foxtail Orchid)

Rhyncostylis is a genus of three species (gigantean, retusa, coelestis) that originate from South East Asia. The genus belongs to the Vanda alliance orchid and is very popular among growers in and out of tropic. They are commonly called ‘Fox Tail’ orchid because their dense influence resemble like one. Individual flower size range from 1-2.5 cm, but it’s their ability to produce multiple spikes with hundreds of flowers and its spicy citric like fragrance that catch orchid grower eyes. Two of the three species, Rhy. gigantea and retusa have white to pale pink blooms with various pink blotches. The third specie Rhy. coelestis has a white bloom that is flushed and tipped with dark lavender blue. All species are a very slower grower, and has leathery drought resistance leaf and generally more manageable than other member of Vanda family in term of size and ease of culture.

Light: All species require medium to high light; the same amount of light recommended for most Vanda and Ascocenda. Indoor, they can be grown at bright south, southeast or southwest facing windowsill or even under light due to their size. All can take full sun from fall to spring, but may need some light shading with sheer curtain during summer time, especially from 11am to 4pm. Under adequate light the leaf should be in medium green; about the same shade as ‘kiwi fruit flesh’ with some hint of red pigments.

Potting: Rhyncostylis are best potted in big clay pots with side draining holes or in large cedar baskets fill with large chunks of lava rocks, wine bottle corks or large barks that will last for at least 4-5 years. They can be also mounted because their flower spikes cascade from the plant. All hate being disturbed once they settle into a particular growing container. Plants are very slow grower and didn’t produce roots as quickly as other orchids like Cattleya or Cymbidium, so extra attention must be paid not to damage the roots too much when transplanting.

Watering and Feeding: Depending on where you grow them, most require daily watering during spring and summer months. If you grow them inside a greenhouse or window sill with high humidity, they might require less. As for feeding, you can fertilize them the same way you would for most Vandas. I feed mine every second watering during warmers months, and once every 3 weeks with ½ strength during dull winter days.

Temperature: All species originate in lowland to mid elevations and are intermediate to warm grower. Summer night is around 18-20’C with winter minimum of 14-16 ‘C is good enough. Rhy. gigantea and retusa are lowland species and will grow more robust in the warmer condition. Rhy. coelestis came from higher elevation and more suited to growing in intermediate condition and can take cooler nights for extended period.

Flowering: Rhy. gigantea and retusa blooms from fall to late winter, while Rhy. coelestis is a summer to fall bloomer. All species bloom typically once a year, but they do make up by sending out multiple spikes when the plants are big enough. Flower generally last about 2-3 weeks.

Ren. gigantean. This is the best well known member of the genus and the largest in term of both plant and flower size. Plant size can reach over a meter tall with large board leathery leafs, but it is generally a very slow grower and will stay compact for several years. Flower size is up to one inch and come in white with various degrees of pink spots to plum blotches, as well as pure white, red and orange.

Ren. retusa: The bloom in this specie is little bit over half inch, but it more than make up what it lacks in size by having numerous blooms on a flower spike up to 2 feet long. Bloom color is white to pale rose with minute rose spots. The growth habit is very stubby and compact and rarely exceed over six inch at a time.

Ren. coelestis: This is the only member in the genus that has an erect flower spike. Both the leaf and plant size resemble more like small vanda. The bloom color is also very unique and lacks any spotting. They are white, tipped and blushed with various degree of lavender blue.