cylindrical-flowered rock orchid

The Thin Pencil Orchid is named after its distinct, long and thin, terete leaves. Each leaf is leathery, bright green, up to 50cm long and only 0.6cm wide. Branching stems are thread-like, often over few metres long. Flowering stems appear from the axils of leaves. Upside-down flowers, measuring up to 3cm are usually pale cream or white, with few thin, dark maroon markings in the centre.

Plants are best grown mounted on cork bark or wood if sufficient humidity can be provided. Alternatively, grow in a basket in an epiphytic, medium grade, bark-based potting mix with added perlite, moss, or coir. As with many orchids, they grow best when the roots are slightly restricted. Therefore, avoid over-potting or frequent root disturbance. Provide bright light and sufficient humidity by misting regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter until warmer temperatures initiate flowering and new growth in spring. See indoor orchid cultivation

No pruning required. Remove spent flowers as necessary, but do not cut the whole cane unless completely shrivelled. Oldest canes may be removed as long as there are enough, younger, thick, leaf-bearing canes on the plant.

Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows the pot. Sideshoots (keiki) may develop on older canes - remove and pot them into sphagnum moss when the new roots are at least 2cm long.

May be susceptible to scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite.

Generally disease-free.

cylindrical-flowered rock orchid

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