Phaius

Phaius is easily propagated from seeds as well as by division of the clump. Similarly new plants can be obtained by cutting the flower stem into pieces and placing them on moist surface.

Growing Instructions: Phaius produce brilliantly colored flowers in combinations of yellow, white and red growing on single stalk. The plants are found in swampy soil but some are tree growing. The plants are notable for their leaves as well as flowers. Orchid contain short egg shaped pseudo bulbs.Similarly sepals and reddish inside with yellow edges. It has a yellowthroat and sides colored dark burgundy and purple.

Fertilizing : Fertilizing should be done with a balanced fertilizer with trace elements calcium & magnesium added frequently year round. Fertilizing should be done at a rate of 400 ppm during summer, spring and fall whereas 200 ppm during winter months.

Temp & Light : Mostly Phaius should be grown at temp range of 60˚F to 75˚F (16˚C - 24˚C) but plant can tolerate lower temp to 40˚F & higher temp to 95˚F on short term basis. Extreme temp may affect the growth of plant so it must be avoided. The plant can be adapted to full sun if acclimated gradually but it must be protected from lower sustained temp.

Water potting Medium Container As we know that the plant is pseudobulbous so it has ability of storing water. We must avoid watering but the medium must be moist by direct application of water to the pot. Frequent application of water or too much use of water may cause medium decomposition and subsequent root loss.

Container may vary from clay, plastic pots to wooden baskets. We must be careful about watering schedule to suit the medium and container use. Good air circulation is an absolute requirement all year round when plants are in bloom. To prevent the spotting of blooms by fungus, botrytis Watering must be done early enough in the day ensure that the plant, especially it's leaf crown. Damp leaves are susceptible to leaf infection, fungal infection.

Phaius need more fertilizer and the fertilizer application must be determined by considering temp, light intensity & frequency of water. Organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion and manure teas are best for the plant. Salt based fertilizer should be used in a balanced amount for the growth and maintain once.

Propagation : Phaius can be propagated by cutting the flowering stem into several pieces, above a stem internode. When the last flower fall down the flower stem should be cut with hot knife or shears. The cut stem pieces should be placed on damp sphagnum moss in diffused light.

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