Unknown Monopodial - Orchid Board

Acharn · #1 11-21-2009, 03:48 AM

This was a gift in Thailand along with some Vandas and Dendrobiums. I was thinking it might be a Rhyncostilis, because that's the other popular monopodial in Thailand. The plant is about 3 inches tall -- it's sitting in a wooden slat basket that's 9 inches at the top, 4 inches at the bottom, and about 6 inches deep. I'd love to get it out of this large basket and into a smaller one (maybe 3 inch), but the roots are strongly attached to the wooden slats. The leaves are much flatter and thicker than any of the Vandas I have. Can anyone identify it on this basis, or will we have to wait for it to bloom?

Angurek · #2 11-21-2009, 04:01 AM

It looks like a phalaenopsis to me.

Acharn · #3 11-21-2009, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angurek

It looks like a phalaenopsis to me.

Oh! Never thought of that. I always think of Phals as being in the Philippines, not Thailand, even though I've read (somewhere) that they're very popular here. Well, I hope it will bloom in a year or two and then we'll know. Actually, I'd be rather pleased it it did turn out to be Phalaenopsis. It would be the only one I have (so far).

Sandy4453 · #4 11-21-2009, 07:56 AM

That's a Phal. and it looks in need of a re-potting. Try soaking it in a basin to free the roots away from the basket. Chances are the roots that are stuck, are dead. If they're plump and firm, they're alive but by what I can be seen in this photo, they're dead. Careful not to submerge too far up in water, you don't want to soak the crown. If you've got some Physan 20 and a rooting hormone, put some of it in the water for about 15 minutes and pot it in the medium of your choice.

Good luck!

kavanaru · #5 11-21-2009, 08:10 AM

I must disagree here... that looks more like Rhynchostylis or similar... However, without flowers will not be possible to give a right ID... And I would not repot it, but leave it how it is... Rhynchostylis do not like to be disturb!

Sandy4453 · #6 11-21-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavanaru

I must disagree here... that looks more like Rhynchostylis or similar... However, without flowers will not be possible to give a right ID... And I would not repot it, but leave it how it is... Rhynchostylis do not like to be disturb!

Wouldn't the leaves be more strapped like and thinner?

Roy · #7 11-21-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavanaru

I must disagree here... that looks more like Rhynchostylis or similar... However, without flowers will not be possible to give a right ID... And I would not repot it, but leave it how it is... Rhynchostylis do not like to be disturb!

I would agree that it is a Rhynchostylis and to add its possible that it is ' gigantea alba'. I have a few of these and the one that stands out with the broad leaves is the 'alba'.

Sandy4453 · #8 11-21-2009, 08:53 AM

Well, since I trust kavanaru's and Roy's knowledge over mine, forget what I said up there, Acharn.

I'm glad this was intervened especially because the culture is dynamically opposed to that of Phals! Whew! and I humbly apologize for what could have been catastrophic if it were not for these 2 members.

Acharn · #9 11-21-2009, 10:29 AM

Well, thanks for everyone's help. I'm a little sorry it's not (or is probably not) a Phal, because I don't have any, but I had a few Rhyncostilis taken from the wild many years ago and couldn't get them to bloom for me. I have better information now, so I'm hoping to have more success. From the pictures at IOSPE I rather hope it is the gigantea. I like that one better than the alba variety. I have half a dozen more small plants, but they look more like Vanda, and they look like being at least one year, maybe two, away from blooming. It's a good thing you reminded me Rhy don't like being moved -- maybe in a couple of years I'll be able to top it. Gosh, this board is so helpful!

lambelkip · #10 11-21-2009, 11:39 AM

I have to disagree with the identification as Rhynchostylis. Rhynchostylis have clearly visible veins running the length of the leaf.