Rhynchostylis gigantea (red)

Right away, you can see why Rhynchostylis gigantea is called the Foxtail Orchid. The moment it blooms, there’s no question. It produces these incredible, densely packed, pendulous clusters of flowers that look just like a fluffy fox's tail dangling from the plant.

This is a species orchid, native to a wide swath of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows in warm, humid lowland forests at fairly low elevations, usually below 2,300 feet. This tells us it enjoys the kind of warmth we have here year-round and doesn’t want to get cold.

The plant itself is a beautiful monopodial, growing from a single stem much like a Vanda, but in a more compact fashion. It has a short, stout stem with thick, leathery, strap-like leaves arranged opposite each other. The root system is impressive—very thick, fleshy roots that love to hang out in the open air. Even out of bloom, it’s a handsome, robust-looking plant.

While the standard color form is white with amethyst spots, the red form is a true showstopper, with flowers in a solid, deep magenta-red. Each waxy flower is only about an inch wide, but dozens of them are packed onto an inflorescence that can be over a foot long. The most remarkable feature, however, isn't visual. This orchid has an absolutely stunning fragrance. It’s powerful, spicy, and citrusy, and it will fill a room, especially in the morning. It’s no surprise that this species, and its various color forms, have won a multitude of awards from the American Orchid Society. Here in Hawaii, it's a special treat as it typically blooms in the late fall through winter, often right around the holidays.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, indirect light, around 2,000 to 3,000 foot-candles. An east-facing exposure is ideal. It can handle south or west exposure if protected from the direct, hot midday sun by a thin curtain or shade cloth. Leaves should be a medium olive-green; dark green leaves may indicate insufficient light.

Water: This orchid requires copious amounts of water during its active growing period in the warmer months. Water thoroughly, allowing the roots to become saturated. The roots should be allowed to dry to a silvery-green color before watering again. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler winter months, but do not allow the plant to remain dry for extended periods.

Temperature: As a warm-to-hot grower, it prefers daytime temperatures between 80-95°F and nighttime temperatures that remain above 60-65°F. It is not tolerant of cold temperatures.

Humidity: High humidity, between 60% and 80%, is essential for healthy growth. Good air circulation is mandatory to prevent fungal and bacterial problems in such humid conditions.

Potting Medium: Rhynchostylis gigantea is best grown in a slatted wood or plastic basket with little to no potting medium. This allows the extensive root system to hang freely and provides the superior air circulation and drainage the plant demands. Large chunks of charcoal can be added to the basket for stability if needed.

For further education, please see this article from the American Orchid Society:

https://www.aos.org/explore-orchids/rhynchostylis-gigantea

Grown in 4" pots. Currently offered in blooming size only.