RHYNCHOSTYLIS GIGANTEA

[Cindy K]

I purchased an unusual orchid on the discount rack awhile back. Tag said "Rhy. Gigantea". It was marked down from $59.99 to $9.99! I have hung it outside in the shade for the summer and have gotten some root growth. It is also getting a new leaf!!! It is in a black plastic pot with a wire hanger on it. It is planted in soil and the old roots are just jammed in there. I would have to cut the pot to get it out of there I think! The person at the greenhouse said that they don't like to be moved from the original pot. Is this true? Should I leave it as it is or trans pot it? It almost looks like a Vanda so I was wondering if it needs soil at all? Also, it is in a shaded spot right now. Do you think that it can take more sun? Thanks for all your help!

[cb977]

I have two of them...both are in wooden baskets with nothing else in there and they're both hanging on a pole directly beneath the Cattleya area.

I have read that they do not like to be disturbed so I've left them exactly as they were when they were given to me

[michael_exler]

Originally Posted by Cindy K

It almost looks like a Vanda so I was wondering if it needs soil at all? Also, it is in a shaded spot right now. Do you think that it can take more sun? Thanks for all your help!

It is a Vanda. It does not like wet (soil?) feet.
It does like high humidity.
Does not like direct sun light, prefers medium sun light, though the leaves do look like they can take high light, mine prefers medium and grows better when not in high light.
I would cut off the plastic pot rinse off the roots and sit it in a wood basket with maybe some coconut fiber to keep the root humid and trying not to man handle the roots too much