Rhyncholaelia digbyana

Rhyncholaelia digbyana is an orchid species native to Central America, with populations found in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It typically grows as an epiphyte on tree branches in seasonally dry forests, where it receives high light, good air circulation, and a marked dry season. In some locations, it can also grow lithophytically on exposed limestone outcrops.

The plant produces thick, leathery leaves on short, robust pseudobulbs. Its most distinctive feature is the large, pale green to creamy white flower, notable for its broad lip edged with deep, frilled margins. These blooms are fragrant, often most pronounced at night, suggesting pollination by nocturnal moths. Flowering usually occurs in late spring to summer, with each inflorescence carrying a single, long-lasting bloom.

In cultivation, it is valued both as a species plant and as a parent in hybridising, where it imparts its large, frilled lip and strong fragrance. It performs best mounted or in open baskets, allowing roots to dry quickly between waterings while receiving bright light year-round.

Care Tips:

Light: Requires bright light, approaching full sun, to promote flowering; provide light shading in the hottest part of the day.

Water: Water thoroughly during active growth, allowing roots to dry slightly between waterings; reduce during winter rest while maintaining some moisture.

Humidity: Maintain 50–70% humidity with good airflow to prevent rot.

Media: Mount on hardwood or grow in coarse, free-draining orchid mix with large bark or charcoal.

Fertiliser: Feed with a balanced orchid fertiliser at quarter to half strength every 1–2 weeks during active growth.

Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions of 18–30°C, with a slight drop at night; avoid prolonged exposure below 12°C.

Repotting: Repot or remount in spring when new roots begin to emerge, as the species dislikes disturbance when not actively growing.

Propagation: Divide only well-established plants with multiple healthy pseudobulbs.