Rhynchostylis gigantea 'Kra Blue'

This orchid is a colour form of Rhynchostylis gigantea, producing dense clusters of blue-violet flowers. The species is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia, where it grows attached to tree trunks and branches in warm, humid forests. In the wild, it thrives in bright, filtered light with constant air movement and seasonal rainfall patterns.

The plant forms short stems with thick, leathery leaves arranged in a fan-like pattern. In winter to early spring, long, pendulous spikes up to 30 cm or more emerge, each tightly packed with fragrant blooms. In the 'Kra Blue' form, the petals and sepals display rich blue to violet tones, often with subtle mottling or shading, while retaining the species’ distinctive fox-tail-like arrangement. The fragrance is most noticeable during the day, particularly in the morning.

In cultivation, it is prized for its unusual flower colour and strong perfume. It performs best when mounted or grown in open baskets to allow its aerial roots to spread freely and to accommodate the drooping spikes. Consistent warmth, humidity, and careful watering are essential for successful growth and flowering.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, filtered light; avoid harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
• Water: Water regularly during active growth, keeping the roots moist but not waterlogged; reduce slightly after flowering.
• Humidity: Maintain 60–80% humidity with strong air circulation to prevent fungal problems.
• Media: Best mounted on hardwood or grown in slatted baskets with coarse orchid bark, charcoal, and sphagnum moss for good aeration.
• Fertiliser: Apply a balanced orchid fertiliser at quarter to half strength every 1–2 weeks during the growing season; reduce in winter.
• Temperature: Thrives in 18–30°C; protect from temperatures below 12°C.
• Repotting: Repot or remount only when necessary, ideally after flowering, as the plant dislikes root disturbance.
• Propagation: Division is possible on large, established plants with multiple healthy growths.