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Description
Rhyncholaelia Digbyana, commonly known as the Golden Shower Orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to Central America. It was first discovered in Honduras by John M. Digby in 1840 and later named after him. The plant has a pseudobulbous stem and thin leaves that grow to about 30 centimeters long. The flowers are large, showy, and fragrant, with a bright yellow color that fades to white towards the center. The petals and sepals are long and narrow, giving the flower a star-like shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Rhyncholaelia |
| Species | Digbyana |
Appearance
The Rhyncholaelia Digbyana has a pseudobulbous stem that can grow up to 60 centimeters tall. The stem is covered with thin leaves that are around 30 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. The flowers are large and showy, with bright yellow petals and sepals that fade to white towards the center. The lip is a darker yellow or orange color, and the flowers have a light, sweet fragrance. The plant blooms in the spring and summer, with each stem producing up to five flowers at a time.
Care Guide
Water: Rhyncholaelia Digbyana prefers to be kept moist, but not wet. Water the plant once a week, but increase the frequency during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. During the winter, reduce the frequency to once a month.
Soil: The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite.
Sunlight: Rhyncholaelia Digbyana prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn.
Hardiness Zones: The plant thrives in hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Rhyncholaelia Digbyana is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. To prevent pests and diseases, keep the plant clean and avoid overwatering. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Rhyncholaelia Digbyana is native to Central America, where it grows in the lowland rainforests of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. It is an epiphytic plant, meaning it grows on trees and other plants, and it prefers a warm and humid environment.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I repot my Rhyncholaelia Digbyana?
A: Repot the plant every two years or when the pot becomes overcrowded. Use a well-draining soil mix and a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.
Q: How do I propagate Rhyncholaelia Digbyana?
A: The plant can be propagated through division. Divide the pseudobulbs and plant them in a new pot with fresh soil mix.
Q: Can Rhyncholaelia Digbyana be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect sunlight and is kept in a warm and humid environment.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Rhyncholaelia Digbyana?
A: The plant prefers temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F) during the day and 13-18°C (55-65°F) at night.
Related Plants
- Rhyncholaelia glauca
- Rhyncholaelia rossii
- Rhyncholaelia digbyana x brassavola nodosa
References
- Orchid Species, Rhyncholaelia digbyana, http://www.orchidspecies.com/rhyndigbyana.htm
- Rhyncholaelia digbyana, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17868/Rhyncholaelia-digbyana/Details
- Rhyncholaelia digbyana, https://www.orchids.org/golden-shower-orchid
