Phaius flavus 'Golden Charm'is native to the Assam, eastern Himalayas, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Laos, Vietnam, Java, Moluccas, the Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatra, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Samoa, Vanuatu, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands and Japan. In India, it occurs in marshy areas. It usually grows above 1219 m, and in western Java, this plant was found at an altitude of 1768 m.
It is a medium sized, cold to warm growing terrestrial, which reaching 60-90 cm in height, but it can also reach 150 cm, with conical to ovoid-cylindric, 10-15 cm long pseudobulbs carrying 3 to 8, elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate, plicate, 30-50 cm long, yellow to white spotted leaves.
Yellow Flowered Phaius blooms on a to 3' (90 cm) tall, erect, basal, laxly several to many flowered inflorescences with persistent bracts and several to many, yellow, long lived, fragrant flowers that occur in the winter and spring. The flowers are very variable in size and colors but it is usually about 8 cm in diameter. The longitudinal flakes of both whorls are straightened to the spread, and their color changes from bright to bright yellow or greenish-white. The curled, trumpet and hair-covered lip may be yellow or pink with brown, red-brown or orange spots on the edges and along the edge.
Note: This variety of phaius has naturally occuring yellow spots/dots on the leaves, and it's not to be confused with disease.
Fast growers and showy when not in bloom.
Phaius grow very well in quality planting soil. It is not necessary for these to be planted in bark/orchid mix. These are semi-deciduous and currently do not have any leaves.
Light:
Phaius flavus needs a light level of 15000-24000 lux. This orchid is suitable for diffuse light, because in its habitats cloudless days in summer are rare. From direct rays of the sun, the plant should be protected.
Temperature:
The average temperature of the summer day is 24-30 ° C, the night 18-19 ° C, giving a daily difference of 7-11 ° C. The average temperature of the winter day is 24-27 ° C, night 8-11 ° C, giving a daily difference of 15-18 ° C.
Humidity:
Yellow Flowered Phaius need the humidity of 75-85% for most of the year, at the end of winter and early spring, it sharply decreasing to 58-65%.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Phaius flavus can be grow in pots with a fertile mix with good drainage as substrate. Repotting is best performed when new roots are actively growing.
Watering:
In the period of active growth, Phaius flavus needs a large amount of water. The substrate should be moist, but not soaked.
Fertilizer:
During the growing season, the plants should be fertilized every week with 1/2 of the recommended dose of fertilizer for orchids.
Rest period:
During 4 winter months the amount of water should be reduced to the occasional light fogs simulating the moisture available from the morning dew, fog and low clouds. Fertilization should be eliminated.
This Phaius flavus 'Golden Charm', is a T6" seedling in a 3" pots, established seedling, devoloping new growths now... about 2 to 3 years to blooming