Rhyncostylis retusa? gigantea?

[bethmarie]

The tag on this plant says Rhyncostylis retusa v. gigantea. From google results it looks to me like retusa and gigantea are two different species. Could anyone clarify this for me?

Thank ya!

[801229001]

its just retusa

[Fairorchids]

It is a retusa.

In many species, there are several varieties, often incl a grande, gigantea, grandiflora, etc. I do not know whether there is an official var gigantea, or whether it is sellers unofficial designation.

However, retusa grows over a very large range, and is quite variable. It has been 'identified' as a new species many times - all of which are now synonyms.

Update: I checked OrchidWiz. It does list an official variety gigantea.

[Oscarman]

Love the flowers Beth. Wondering if your retusa getting enough light/moisture? In my very limited Rhyncostylis experience (I have 1 Rhy. coelestis), the leaves seem elongated and less rigid that expected.

[bethmarie]

Originally Posted by Oscarman

Love the flowers Beth. Wondering if your retusa getting enough light/moisture? In my very limited Rhyncostylis experience (I have 1 Rhy. coelestis), the leaves seem elongated and less rigid that expected.

Thanks for the input. I'm completely at sea with anything vanda-ish.
I picked it up a couple weeks ago in buds from a couple who were selling off their collection. Most of the orchids were woefully dehydrated, which I think explains the leaves. Not sure what kind of light it was getting with them, but at least enough to produce two spikes of many lovely little flowers.
I don't actually have the room or the light for vanda types, as I grow mostly indoors under lights. This one is going on ebay shortly.