Renanthera Kalsom 'Red Dragon'

[Vanda lover]

I wish I had room for this one! It's gorgeous! Someone told me that renanthera only bloom once a year. I had a hybrid seedling called Azima, but I lost it.

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I wish I had room for this one! It's gorgeous! Someone told me that renanthera only bloom once a year. I had a hybrid seedling called Azima, but I lost it.

Species often bloom only once a year, hybrids are more generous. I have a mature Ren Kalsom 'RD', which is about 7 ft tall now (and due to be cut down). It typically blooms 3 times a year.

[Jenascrich]

I recently picked up the red dragon from Kawamoto at Redlands orchid festival. I have hot and humid conditions. I currently have it in just bark. Does anyone think that due to my conditions, I should hang it bare root, like a vanda? Watering is not an issue as I have to water the Vandas frequently anyway. The reason I ask is that when I reported it, it was very wet at the bottom of the roots and there was some browning. However, that could be because they doused them before leaving for the festival.

Thank you for any assistance,
Jen

[flexdc]

Originally Posted by Jenascrich

I recently picked up the red dragon from Kawamoto at Redlands orchid festival. I have hot and humid conditions. I currently have it in just bark. Does anyone think that due to my conditions, I should hang it bare root, like a vanda? Watering is not an issue as I have to water the Vandas frequently anyway. The reason I ask is that when I reported it, it was very wet at the bottom of the roots and there was some browning. However, that could be because they doused them before leaving for the festival.

Thank you for any assistance,
Jen

I would grow them bare root in South Florida. I also grow Renanthera the same way I grow my Vandas (in Pebbles and Sphagnum) and that is just the right moisture level in dry Southern California.

There are several things you need to consider: First, what kind of pots is it in? Second, how deteriorated is the bark. Also if you are concerned about rotting in the medium, you can just toss out some bark and leave the plant in the pot to let more circulation into the root system.
Most Vanda type orchids do not like to be disturbed in the roots.

Here is a picture of one of mine currently in bloom.



Thanks
Andrew