Fox-tailed orchids - Characteristics, how to grow & stimulate flowering

Learn about Fox-tailed orchids (Pink Christmas) - a wild orchid with flowers that grow in clusters of soft, drooping pink, with a strong fragrance and are easy to grow.

Fox-tailed orchids (scientific name: Aerides rosea) or also known as Pink Christmas is one of the most beautiful and popular wild orchid species today. With long clusters of flowers hanging down like a soft fox tail, combined with elegant pink color and strong fragrance, Fox-tailed orchids has made many orchid lovers fall in love at first sight.

In today's article, let's learn about the origin, shape characteristics and how to distinguish Fox-tailed orchids - weasel tail and squirrel tail to gain more experience in growing and playing with this orchid species.

Origin & distribution of Fox-tailed orchids (pink orchid)

Learn about the origin of Fox-tailed orchids - Pink Christmas

Fox-tailed orchids or also known as Aerides rosea, scientific name is Aerides rosea, belongs to the genus Aerides. This is a native orchid species of Southeast Asia and South Asia, distributed in many countries as follows:

• Vietnam : Central Highlands provinces such as Kon Tum, Lam Dong and the Central region, Northern mountainous region.
• China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Bhutan,...

The name of this orchid comes from many meanings as follows:

• The scientific name “rosea” in Latin means “pink”, referring to the characteristic color of this orchid species.
• The name "fox tail" comes from the fact that this orchid has flowers that grow in long clusters, hanging like a fox's tail.
• The name "pink orchid" is because this orchid is pink, belongs to the orchid genus and usually blooms in spring.

Morphological characteristics of Fox-tailed orchids (pink orchid)

Images of leaves, stems, roots and flowers of Fox-tailed orchids - pink orchid.

Let's learn in detail about the morphological characteristics of the stem, leaves, roots and flowers of Fox-tailed orchids to help you easily recognize this orchid species in nature.

Close :

• It is a single-stemmed orchid, growing straight or slightly curved, without pseudobulbs, herbaceous.
• The average height of the stem is 30 - 50 cm, however some plants can grow taller than 1 meter if properly cared for.

Leaves :

• Leaves grow symmetrically on both sides, arranged in layers.
• Leaves spread out, thin, slightly flat, with longitudinal grooves, divided into two round lobes
• Leaves are thin, soft but very tough, changing according to the direction of sunlight and wind.
• Leaves are 20 - 25 cm long and 3 - 4 cm wide.
• Leaves are green, dark green, slightly shiny

Roots :

• Air roots, strong growth, good adhesion
• The roots grow strongly and spread widely. In mature trees, the roots can be up to 2 meters long.

Flower :

• Grows in long, soft clusters, 30 - 40 cm long, can even be up to 80 cm long.
• The flower stalk can be up to 50 cm long.
• Each flower cluster has 10 - 20 small flowers.
• The flowers have a pure white background, dotted with purple or light pink patches creating a sweet, charming appearance.
• The flower has 3 sepals, 2 petals of similar size, the lip has 3 lobes, slightly curved.
• The flowers have the strongest fragrance at noon when the sun is high, usually blooming in May - July.

Distinguishing Fox-tailed orchids - weaseltail orchid - squirreltail orchid

Distinguishing Fox-tailed orchids - weasel tail orchid - Lao squirrel orchid.

In the Dendrobium genus, there are three species of orchids that people easily confuse: Fox-tailed orchids, weasel tail orchid and squirrel tail orchid (Lao squirrel) because they have quite similar shapes and colors. Understanding this, right below we have shared how to distinguish these three orchid species in the most detailed way, let's find out right away.

What does Fox-tailed orchids mean?

Fox-tailed orchids have many profound meanings.

Fox-tailed orchids (pink orchid) not only has a graceful and impressive beauty but also has many meanings in feng shui and spiritual life. Some typical meanings are as follows:

• Each cluster of soft, drooping pink flowers symbolizes a discreet beauty, standing out like a delicate but very strong woman.
• Symbol of fertility, growth, and a lucky start.
• Attract wealth and positive energy for the homeowner
• Balance yin and yang, reduce stress, bring energy to living space
• Symbolizes pure, sincere love, not too ostentatious.

Techniques for planting and stimulating Fox-tailed orchids (pink orchids) to bloom beautifully and in season

Learn the technique of growing Fox-tailed orchids.

If you are new to orchids and have no experience growing Fox-tailed orchids (Pink Christmas), please refer to some of the techniques we share below to be able to "conquer" this beautiful and special wild orchid species.

Choose standard Fox-tailed orchids variety

If you want your Fox-tailed orchids to grow healthily and bloom beautifully, you need to pay attention from the initial stage of choosing the orchid variety. Please note the following:

• Choose to buy Fox-tailed orchids from reputable gardens and sellers.
• Choose seedlings with bright color, dark green leaves, no signs of pests or diseases, and strong roots.
• You should not buy plants with young leaves sprouting because sudden changes in environment can easily shock the plant.
• You should buy potted varieties instead of wild varieties because they are easier to grow and care for.

Techniques for growing/grafting Fox-tailed orchids

Detailed instructions for planting/grafting Fox-tailed orchids.

Here are the most technical steps for planting/grafting Fox-tailed orchids (pink orchids), let's learn more.

How to plant Fox-tailed orchids in pot:

• Step 1 : Clean the growing medium before planting by soaking it in lime water to kill bacteria and fungi, then dry it.
• Step 2 : After purchasing, the seedlings need to be treated by trimming damaged and rotten roots, then soaking the plants in a diluted solution of Physan or Ridomil Gold for 15-20 minutes, then removing and draining.
• Step 3 : Soak the tree base and roots in a diluted solution of B1, Antonik, and N3M for 20-25 minutes to stimulate roots, then remove and hang in a cool place to let the tree rest for 2-3 days before planting.
• Step 4 : Add a layer of large substrate such as charcoal or pumice to the bottom of the pot, then add a layer of smaller substrate about 10 cm from the edge of the pot.
• Step 5 : Place the tree in the middle of the pot so that part of the base and roots are submerged in the substrate. Use a zip tie or soft nylon rope to secure the base of the tree.
• Step 6 : Spread a thin, moist layer of moss around the base.

How to graft Fox-tailed orchids onto wood:

• Step 1 : Treat wood and cork boards by soaking them in lime water for 1-2 days and then drying them.
• Step 2 : Treat the seedlings similarly to the step of planting Fox-tailed orchids in pots.
• Step 3 : Place the orchid root on the wooden surface, line a thin layer of Chilean moss or moist coconut fiber right underneath.
• Step 4 : Use zip ties to secure the tree trunk to the log.
• Step 5 : Hang the assembled logs in a cool place, under the shade of a tree or under the porch to avoid harsh sunlight, rain,...

How to stimulate Fox-tailed orchids to bloom beautifully and in season

To help the Fox-tailed orchids (Pink Christmas) bloom beautifully and in season, you need to understand the natural growth cycle and apply the right care techniques for this orchid species. For details, please refer to below.

Natural flowering time of Fox-tailed orchids :

• Natural flowering season: From February to April
• Plants need a dry resting season to differentiate flower buds.
• Proceed to stimulate flowering at the right time (November - December lunar calendar)

Dry period (November - January)

• Reduce watering frequency, only water lightly about 2-3 times/week.
• Stop fertilizing with nitrogen and growth hormones
• Enhance scattered light for orchids

⇒ Create conditions for the Fox-tailed orchids to "hibernate" to differentiate flower buds.

Stimulate flowering with fertilizer (January - February)

• When you see the plant sprouting, gradually increase the frequency of watering.
• Use flower-stimulating fertilizers such as NPK 6-30-30, 10-30-20 in light doses.
• Add fertilizer with high potassium and phosphorus content such as MKP (0-52-34)

Flower care after Fox-tailed orchids buds :

• When the plant buds, add organic fertilizer such as HVP seaweed to provide nutrients to nourish the buds.
• Do not use strong chemical fertilizers.
• Hang the orchid pot in a high, airy place with lots of early morning sunlight. Avoid moving the pot as this will affect the flower buds.

How much is the Fox-tailed orchids?

Currently, in the ornamental orchid market in Vietnam, Fox-tailed orchids (pink orchids) are sold at many different prices, depending on the origin, purity and size of the orchid. You can refer to the following price list.

Questions and answers about Fox-tailed orchids?

What month does the Fox-tailed orchids bloom?

Pink Dendrobium (Foxtail) usually blooms in spring from February to April. The time will vary depending on the region and care conditions.

Are Fox-tailed orchids fragrant?

Yes, this orchid has a strong, far-reaching fragrance that is strongest at noon when the weather is warm and sunny.

Is Fox-tailed orchids difficult to grow?

No, Fox-tailed orchids are quite easy to grow, completely suitable for those with little experience.

Fox-tailed orchids image (pink orchid)

We invite you to admire the series of super beautiful Fox-tailed orchids (pink orchid) images shared below to fully feel the impressive, elegant beauty of these pink flower clusters.

Super beautiful Fox-tailed orchids pots grafted on wood.

Close-up of the Fox-tailed orchids face - pink orchid has a sweet pink color.

A branch of pink orchid with gentle beauty.

A blooming Fox-tailed orchids with super long roots.

The clusters of pink orchids hanging down are very beautiful.

Fox-tailed orchids (Pink Dendrobium) not only attracts by its gentle beauty and passionate fragrance but also has many meanings in feng shui and life. If you are looking for beautiful, easy-to-grow orchids to decorate your living space, do not miss the Pink Dendrobium.

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