Introducing the Rhyncholaelia Glauca - A Fragrant Delight for Collectors! Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey into the world of orchids? Meet the Rhyncholaelia glauca, a truly extraordinary member of the dwarf Cattleya alliance, and a treasure that collectors covet. With its waxy, green blooms that release a sweet citrus fragrance at night, this orchid is a must-have for any enthusiast. Here, we provide you with essential cultivating tips to ensure your Rhyncholaelia glauca thrives and rewards you with its delicate beauty.
The Rhyncholaelia glauca, native to regions spanning from Mexico to Belize, Guatemala, and southeastern Honduras, is an epiphytic wonder. It can be found growing on trees or directly on the ground in open mountainous forests at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1500 meters above sea level. This medium-sized orchid boasts short, oblong-fusiform pseudobulbs measuring approximately 5 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width. Each pseudobulb supports a single, apical, erect leaf. These leaves are oblong-elliptic, coriaceous, and feature a unique glaucous hue, reaching up to 10 cm in length and 3.5-4 cm in width.
Come spring, the Rhyncholaelia glauca graces us with its fragrant creamy flowers. These blooms, measuring about 10 cm in diameter, bear a striking resemblance to the color of a green apple, with a whitish lip and elongated-lanceolate sepals. The lip is a sight to behold, threefold, and slightly wavy along the rim, resembling the shape of a kulich. Inside, a purple spot adds a touch of intrigue. The orchid's column measures 1 cm in length, completing the intricate composition of this exceptional flower.
Cultivation Tips:
Light: The Rhyncholaelia glauca thrives in bright sunlight and can even tolerate direct sunlight, up to 85000 lux. For optimal growth and flowering, place your orchid by windows with south, south-west, south-east, or west orientations. Ensure that your orchid receives at least 10 hours of light per day, with an ideal duration of 16-18 hours.
Temperature: Maintain moderate temperatures year-round: daytime temperatures should not exceed 24°C, while nighttime temperatures should range from 12-15°C. The cooler nighttime temperatures are especially crucial for triggering flower development, so aim for a consistent 4°C lower than the daytime temperature, ideally around 12-13°C.
Humidity: While the Rhyncholaelia glauca prefers high humidity, it can adapt well to indoor conditions. Proper ventilation is key to prevent fungal and bacterial diseases. In their natural habitat, these orchids rely on high humidity during periods without rain, but when grown in substrates, their need for high air humidity is reduced.
Substrate and Repotting: Use a well-balanced substrate consisting of coniferous tree bark, charcoal, humus, and sphagnum moss (up to 80%). For orchids grown on blocks, consider adding a moss interlayer to maintain root moisture. Ensure good ventilation to prevent root rot.
Watering: Adjust your watering frequency based on temperature and light intensity. Orchids grown on blocks benefit from daily morning watering to allow roots to dry by evening. Potted orchids should have excellent drainage to avoid root rot. The substrate should dry between waterings.
Fertilization: During the new growth period, fertilize every two weeks with a diluted fertilizer, avoiding high potassium and phosphorous content. Orchid roots are sensitive, especially at their tips. Consider foliar feeding and alternate between root and foliar applications. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., NPK = 3-3-3 or 8-8-8) is ideal.
Rest Period: During winter, mimic the orchid's natural rest period with cooler temperatures (not below 10-12°C) and reduced watering. Spraying the substrate surface symbolically every 10-14 days is sufficient. As light intensity increases, resume regular watering.
This is a blooming size orchid in a 5”pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom. Grown from Seed! Limited!
The Rhyncholaelia glauca ‘Tower Grove’ x ‘Laurel’ is not just an orchid; it's a masterpiece of nature. With proper care, this collector's dream will reward you with its exquisite fragrant blooms and become a cherished addition to your plant collection. Enjoy the journey of nurturing this captivating beauty!