Holcostylis Wu Gift (Holcoglossum wangii x Rhyn. gigantea)

[2Barefeet]

I recently purchased a Holcostylis Wu Gift that came potted in bark. Will this one do well in a basket with no media like most Vandas? I've not grown a Holcoglossum or a Rhynchostylis before, so I'm quite sure what to do with it. It is ok to just treat it like a Vanda?

[PaphMadMan]

Holcoglossum would prefer somewhat cooler shadier conditions than most Vanda hybrids, and is usually grown mounted because of its pendent growth habit. But combined with the heat loving Rhynchostylis with its heavy leaves and very thick roots that do well in a basket with no media, this should be just fine treated like a Vanda in most ways. Just be a little cautious about full Vanda light levels especially on hot days, and keep humidity high.

[Ray]

Yep. Think "vanda", then reduce the light and temperature a bit...

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by 2Barefeet

I recently purchased a Holcostylis Wu Gift that came potted in bark. Will this one do well in a basket with no media like most Vandas? I've not grown a Holcoglossum or a Rhynchostylis before, so I'm quite sure what to do with it. It is ok to just treat it like a Vanda?

The ONLY reason Vandas are grown in empty baskets, is that bark would rot quickly in areas with monsoon rains. The flip side is, when it is not monsoon season, you have to water daily.

Plants grow perfectly well with mix in the baskets, which also reduces the required frequency of watering. Bark is fine, but spaghnum/bark mix is better if you want to minimize watering.