Rhyncholaelia digbyana Red Leaves (syn. Brassavola digbyana)

Rhyncholaelia digbyana Red Leaves (syn. Brassavola digbyana) is a distinctive form of Rhyncholaelia digbyana that grows one to two internodes taller than typical plants. It is characterized by noticeably redder foliage compared to the standard green leaves of Rhyncholaelia digbyana.

Care Tips:

• Light

  • Requires very bright light, similar to Cattleya-type orchids

  • Tolerates morning or late-afternoon direct sun

  • Avoid strong midday sun to prevent leaf burn

• Temperature

  • Prefers warm to intermediate conditions

  • Daytime: approximately 24–31 °C

  • Nighttime: approximately 19–24 °C

  • A day–night temperature difference helps promote growth and flowering

• Watering

  • Water regularly during active growth

  • Allow the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings

  • Reduce watering during cooler or less active periods, but do not allow the plant to completely dry out

• Humidity & Airflow

  • Prefers moderate to high humidity (50–80%)

  • Good air circulation is essential to prevent disease

• Potting & Mounting

  • Use a coarse, well-draining medium such as large bark, cork, or tree fern

  • Well suited to mounted culture with more frequent watering

  • Avoid frequent repotting; repot only when new roots begin to grow

• Fertilization

  • Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength every 1–2 weeks during the growing season

  • A higher-phosphorus fertilizer may be used before flowering

• Blooming Tips

  • Requires high light levels to flower reliably

  • A slightly drier and cooler period in winter can help initiate flower spikes