Orchids you should grow... by Roy Krueger

ORCHIDS WE SHOULD GROW

Though there are only two members of the genus Rhyncholaelia, they are both among the most fragrant and desirable of all species. R. Glauca is one. The other is the spectacular lipped Digbyana. No collection is complete without both.  Since I’ve already sung the praises of Digbyana, this month I’ll give equal time to Gluaca.

Separated from the Brassavola genus a number of years ago because there growth more resembled cattleyas Rhyncholaelias are low land growers (to 600m) that thrive on heat and high light. Their habitat is from Mexico south through Costa Rica and Honduras. Most are epiphyte, although they occasionally are found as terrestrials.

The plant is short and tends to clump. A single grey-green leave appears from each pseudobulb. The bulb is 3-4" tall and the leaf, another 5-6" tall. The plant is a slow grower for the first several years and then will set multiple leads. A single flower springs from an inflorescence that is about 3" long.

The flower is whiteish-green with very heavy substance. There is a small purple marking at the head of the column, and occasionally, a very small dot on either side of the marking in the same color. Some varieties have a light mauve casting over the green. The flower is up to 4" across and may last up to six weeks. Typical of most white varieties Rhy. Glauca is night pollinated by a moth.  Oh, and did I mention that it is fragrant. So fragrant in fact, that you might smell it if you sniff the picture. It has a heavy delightful citrus aroma. One plant can fill the room with scent.

Grow it in a pot if you must, or better still on a plaque of cork or tree fern. The roots may extend for several feet when mature. It likes high temperature and bright light (mine is on the north side of my pool cage so it gets about 75%sunlight all day long). Fertilize regularly when in active growth and water copiously. That means drench it often, especially if grown on a mount in stead of a pot. Restrict water somewhat after pseudobulbs mature.

Rhy. Glauca is a winter bloomer, right in the middle of the season.  For five years I have been able to set my clock by it.  It blooms every year on Valentine’s Day.  How can you beat that?

Roy