A botanical species of Philippine origin, described by Oakes Ames in 1915, Renanthera derives its genus name from the Latin word renis, meaning kidney, and the Greek Anthos, meaning flower, from which we deduce that the shape of the petals is reniform.
In its natural range, in the Philippines, the species populates the provinces of Quezon, Rizal, and Zambales on the island of Luzon, and Surigao province on the island of Mindanao. It generally grows in epiphytic stations, on trees in open, grassy areas, at altitudes over 500 m above sea level. It has a medium size, 30 – 60 cm tall, and on the stem insert coriaceous leaves, 15 – 19 cm long and 1 – 2 cm wide, distichous, ligulate, uneven and obtusely bilobed apically, a typical aspect of the genus Vanda and related genera.
Sometimes called the Spanish dancer, due to the appearance of its flowers, the orchid Renanthera monachica stands out for its spectacular blooms on axillary, suberect, simple, lax racemose stems, equipped with tubular bracts, which occur from late winter to spring, bearing 6 – 30 flowers about 4 cm in diameter, scentless, but lasting for a long time. Their color is pale orange, covered with abundant blood-red spots, irregularly arranged.
The orchid Renanthera monachica requires abundant lighting, with light radiation values ranging between 40000 – 50000 lux, preferring exposure to intense light, but filtered at least during the afternoon. Ensuring efficient ventilation is absolutely necessary.
Renanthera monachica is a thermophilic species, preferring an average daytime temperature of 29 – 31°C in summer and a minimum of 22°C at night, with a 7 - 9 °C difference between day and night. In spring, the average daytime temperature will be 31 – 32°C and 20 – 22 °C at night, with an amplitude of 10 – 11 °C, so that in winter the temperature values range between 28 – 29 °C during the day and a minimum of 19 °C at night, with a difference of 9 – 11°C.
The species is not as demanding as representatives of the Vanda genus and their hybrids regarding relative humidity of the environment, preferring values of 80 – 85% during summer and autumn, which will be reduced to 70% during winter until early spring.
Renanthera monachica prefers cultivation in hanging pots or wooden boxes provided with aerated substrate, with strong drainage, containing large pieces of charcoal, bark, cork, and coconut fiber. Some plants are given only as much substrate as needed for rooting, allowing the roots developed later to grow outside the containers. Root cutting is not recommended, as this type of intervention slows plant growth by several years.
Watering will be abundant during summer and autumn, but in winter, for a period of 3 – 4 months, it will be reduced. The growing substrate will remain constantly moist during the active growth period.
Fertilizations are recommended weekly, at 25 – 50% dilution compared to the concentration indicated by the manufacturer. Fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content will be chosen during spring and summer, and a fertilizer rich in phosphorus from late summer to autumn.
This species requires a rest period, consisting of stopping fertilization and reducing watering, but it is not absolutely necessary, as a dry season cannot be clearly distinguished in its natural environment. Ideally, for those who prefer to provide a rest period, it will take place during the winter months.
Renanthera monachica can be purchased here (link).
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