Golden Phi Diep Orchid – Propagation & Care Techniques by Growth Stage
Blog | by
The Golden Phi Diep orchid is a rare pendulous wild orchid of the Dendro genus. It boasts bright yellow-orange flowers with a gentle fragrance, blooming on old canes and requiring a winter rest period.
Golden Phi Diep orchid (Dendrobium chrysanthum) is a highly prized forest orchid sought after by collectors in Vietnam. Its radiant yellow-orange blooms and soft, graceful scent make it particularly valuable. Increasingly favored by serious orchid enthusiasts, this remarkable species deserves a close look. Read on as orchid shares detailed insights below.
Introduction to the Golden Phi Diep
The Golden Phi Diep orchid — a wild orchid species with strikingly vibrant colors.
The Golden Phi Diep (Dendrobium chrysanthum), commonly called "Hoàng thảo Phi Diep vàng," belongs to the orchid family (Orchidaceae) within the Dendrobium genus. Native to Asia, it thrives in cool, humid mountain forests across India, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, it’s primarily found in the Northwest and Central Highlands regions.
The botanical name chrysanthum derives from Greek: “chrysos” meaning “gold” and “anthos” meaning “flower”—an apt tribute to its golden blossoms.
How to Identify Golden Phi Diep
A close-up of the stunningly beautiful Golden Phi Diep orchid blossom.
Golden Phi Diep is celebrated for its brilliant color and delicate form. Here are its distinguishing features:
-
Pseudobulbs: Pendulous, 40–100 cm long, slightly flattened mid-section, greenish-yellow turning pale when mature.
-
Leaves: Alternate along canes, 7–12 cm long, 1.5–3 cm wide; deciduous during winter dormancy.
-
Flowers:
-
Vivid yellow to orange-yellow with striking dark orange spots on the lip
-
Each bloom measures 4–5 cm in diameter
-
Single-flowered at each node rather than clustered
-
Fragrant, blooming from March to May
-
Flowers last 7–15 days
-
-
Growth:
-
Epiphytic—grows on tree bark or rocks
-
Blooms on old canes—avoid pruning them post-leaf drop
-
Prefers moderate light, high humidity, good airflow, and cooler climates
-
Stage-by-Stage Planting & Care Guide
Guide to planting, mounting, and caring for the Golden Phi Diep orchid.
1. Ideal Planting Time
-
Best planted or mounted at the end of winter, when the plant enters a new growth phase and readies for flowering.
2. Preparing Seedlings
-
Choose plump, firm pseudobulbs with multiple nodes.
-
Trim damaged roots, keeping 2–3 cm.
-
Soak in a treatment mix: B1 + N3M + Ridomil Gold + Aliette + Regan.
-
Air-dry in shade for 1–2 days before planting or mounting.
3. Mounting & Potting Methods
-
On wood:
-
Select clean, treated driftwood or bark from jackfruit, star apple, or oak trees
-
Secure with wire or staples, cover with moss/fiber for moisture
-
-
In pots:
-
Use clay or plastic pots with good drainage
-
Fill with sphagnum, pine bark, charcoal, and similar mixes
-
Plant at a 30–45° angle, anchor well
-
Care Schedule by Growth Phase
Phase | Time | Light & Water | Fertilizer & Care |
---|---|---|---|
Post-planting | Feb–May | Bright shade, gentle misting 1–2×/day (avoid harsh midday sun) | Root stimulants (B1+Root/Atonik), followed by NPK 30-10-10 weekly |
Vegetative growth | May–Sep | 70–80% light, avoid midday sun; water once in morning | NPK 30-10-10 + organic fertilizer; antifungal spray every 2 weeks |
Dormancy induction | Oct–Dec | Increase light, reduce watering by late Nov; no fertilizer | Ensure 5–8 °C day-night temperature difference |
Flowering stage | Bloom time | Avoid moving or direct water on flowers; ensure airflow | Maintain gentle care |
Pest & Disease Prevention
General Tips:
-
Provide light, airflow, and avoid waterlogging
-
Do not overuse chemicals
-
Prune yellowing leaves and old roots regularly
-
Keep the growing area clean and replace media yearly
Common Issues & Treatment:
-
Soft rot & water rot: Caused by prolonged wet conditions; treat by pruning, dusting with lime, and spraying Physan 20 or Starner
-
Leaf spots (Cercospora): Brown-black spots during high humidity; remove affected leaves, spray Ridomil or Aliette, ensure ventilation
-
Root rot: In wet, compacted media; trim roots, repot, treat with Ridomil, and apply Trichoderma monthly
-
Mealybugs & thrips: Identified by white patches; wipe with 70% alcohol, spray Confidor or Movento
Pricing in Vietnam
Type | Price Range (VND) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Seedling, single stem | 70,000–120,000 | Young non-flowering plants |
Potted, acclimatized plant | 150,000–250,000 | Good roots and 1–2 stems |
Mounted mature plant | 1,000,000–2,000,000 | Forest-grown, flowering soon |
Wild-collected bulk | 150,000–300,000 per kg | Unacclimated wild specimens |
FAQs
-
Flowering period? March–May, once matured and rested
-
Fragrance? Light and pleasant—less intense than some wild orchids
-
Easy to grow? For experienced growers—challenging for beginners
-
Mount or pot? Pots suit dryer areas; mounts mimic natural habitat
Gallery of Golden Phi Diep Orchids
If you're also passionate about the Golden Phi Diep orchid, don’t miss out on the stunning photo collection of this species we've shared below. We guarantee you’ll be amazed by the vibrant beauty of this dazzling Dendrobium orchid!
Close-ups of thick orange blooms
Mounted specimens in wild style
Clusters of radiant blossoms
Natural forest specimens
Flowers with bold orange lip
Full blooming sprays
Here is the English translation of the paragraph you provided:
Through the content shared above by orchid-vn.com, it’s clear that the Golden Phi Diep is not only a beautiful and rare orchid species but also offers an exciting growing experience thanks to its unique growth cycle. If you’re already experienced in cultivating pendulous orchids, don’t miss out on the Golden Phi Diep — it’s sure to reward you with stunning and satisfying results.
Be sure to visit our Blog section to explore more fascinating articles about other orchid species and equip yourself with valuable knowledge for your own orchid-growing journey!