Rhynchostylis gigantea – Growing Guide and Blooming Tips

Rhynchostylis gigantea, also known as Nghinh Xuân Orchid or Tai Trâu Orchid, is a stunning wild orchid variety famous for its densely packed floral clusters, vibrant colors, and rich fragrance.

This Rhynchostylis gigantea, commonly displayed during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết), is one of the most beloved wild orchids in Vietnam. With eye-catching blooms and a sweet, captivating scent, it brings both beauty and symbolic meaning to the home.

In this article, let’s explore the origin, characteristics, and techniques for planting, caring for, and triggering orchid to bloom in time for Tết.

Overview of Rhynchostylis gigantea

Rhynchostylis gigantea in brilliant pink and white hues.

Also known as Nghinh Xuân or Tai Trâu Orchid, Rhynchostylis gigantea is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It can be commonly found in:

• Vietnam: Especially in Central and Southern regions like Quang Nam, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, etc.

• Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, India, and Southern China.

The name "Nghinh Xuân" (Welcoming Spring) reflects its traditional role in Lunar New Year celebrations, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Today, pure wild specimens are rare, with most available plants being cultivated or tissue-cultured varieties.

Popular Types of Rhynchostylis gigantea

Red Firecracker Rhynchostylis (Hồng Xác Pháo)

Bright pink-red flower clusters resembling festive firecrackers.

This vivid variation is highly valued by collectors for its rarity and striking appearance.

White Rhynchostylis

Pure white Tai Trâu orchids are extremely rare and valuable.

Types include:

• Wild white: Extremely rare, fragrant, long-lived.

• Tissue-cultured white: More affordable but usually lacks scent and durability.

• Mutated white: Exceptionally rare, may cost up to 100 million VND/tree. Features thick petals, no veins or central markings.

Pink Brocade Rhynchostylis (Hồng Gấm)

Unique blend of pink petals with delicate white patterns like embroidered silk.

These orchids are both fragrant and long-lasting, blooming for 2–3 weeks, making them a prized collector’s choice.

How to Identify Rhynchostylis gigantea

• Stem: Single upright stem, 15–40 cm long, thick, no pseudobulb.

• Leaves: Thick, rigid, symmetrically arranged, 25–40 cm long, shaped like buffalo ears (hence “Tai Trâu”).

• Roots: Thick aerial roots, silvery-white with purple-green tips.

• Flowers:

  • Clustered inflorescences, 20–40 cm long.

  • Each cluster has 20–60 flowers, each 2–3 cm in size with thick petals.

  • Comes in various colors: white with purple spots, pure white, pink, red, yellow...

  • Especially fragrant in wild Vietnamese varieties.

• Growth:

  • Prefers humid, shady, well-ventilated forests.

  • Grows slowly—only 1–2 leaf pairs per year.

  • Can live for decades with proper care.

  • Blooms between the 12th and 2nd lunar months—perfect for Tết.

A–Z Guide to Growing and Caring for Rhynchostylis gigantea

Choosing the Right Plant Type

Tissue-cultured orchids in nurseries.

• Wild plants: Best for experienced growers. Beautiful and fragrant, but slow-growing.

• Seed-grown: Stable and affordable, beginner-friendly.

• Tissue-cultured: Fast-growing, disease-resistant, ideal for large-scale cultivation.

Potting Instructions

1. Use breathable clay or plastic pots with good drainage.

2. Layer charcoal, pumice, or pine bark at the bottom; cover with smaller pine bark and sphagnum moss.

3. Position the orchid above the medium, allow roots to hang freely, and secure with ties or stakes.

4. Keep in a shaded area. After 10 days, mist lightly. Begin fertilizing once new roots appear.

Mounting on Wood or Slabs

1. Trim rotten roots, soak the base in Physan + B1 for 10–20 minutes, dry for 5–6 hours.

2. Soak wood or slabs in limewater for 24 hours, then dry.

3. Attach the plant base to the mount, avoiding root coverage, and secure with ties or U-clips.

4. Hang in a well-ventilated place. Mist lightly for the first week. Begin normal watering after 10 days.

Daily Orchid Care

• Watering:

  • 1–2 times daily in the dry season (morning or late afternoon).

  • Water only if medium feels dry in the rainy season.

  • Avoid water pooling on leaves.

  • Use clean water with pH 5.5–6.5.

• Light & Temperature:

  • Requires about 60% filtered light.

  • Avoid direct sunlight. Use shading net outdoors.

• Humidity & Airflow:

  • Maintain moderate humidity.

  • Ensure good ventilation, avoid strong wind exposure.

• Fertilizing:

  • Monthly slow-release NPK 14-14-14 around the roots.

  • Spray B1 + Atonik every 10 days.

  • Use organic fertilizers like goat manure or worm compost.

Blooming Tips to Time Flowers for Tết

To ensure your orchid blooms just in time for Tết:

• Start bloom induction between the 15th–25th of the 10th lunar month. It takes 50–65 days from bud emergence to full bloom.

• 1 month before Stop nitrogen fertilizer. Use NPK 6-30-30.

• After bud appears (15–20 days later): Switch to NPK 15-20-30 to nourish buds. Spray every 5–7 days.

• Increase light by removing some shading net. Avoid harsh midday sun.

• Create temperature difference (8–12°C between day and night) to promote flower formation.

Signs of upcoming bloom:

• Plump stem, strong roots

• Slight swelling at the top (flower spike)

• Top leaves become closer together and shorter

Important notes:

• Do not water at night.

• Avoid moving the plant during this phase.

• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.

• Do not force with strong chemical stimulants—they may weaken the plant long-term.

Common Orchid Diseases & Treatments

Rhynchostylis gigantea Price List

FAQs About Rhynchostylis gigantea

When does it bloom?
Usually from the 12th to 2nd lunar month, coinciding with the Lunar New Year.

Is it fragrant?
Yes, it is one of the most fragrant wild orchids.

Why won’t my orchid bloom?
Possible reasons: too young (<3–4 years), over-fertilized with nitrogen, insufficient light, no day-night temperature gap.

Is it easy to grow?
Cultivated strains are beginner-friendly. However, they require careful watering and protection from direct sun and excess moisture.

Beautiful Photos of Rhynchostylis gigantea

We invite you to admire the stunning and impressive photo collection of Rhynchostylis gigantea (Nghinh Xuân orchid) below, so you can get a clearer picture of the exceptional beauty of this orchid species.

Clusters of blooming orchids

Orchids with unique color blends

Mounted orchids on tree trunks

Spotted pink blossoms

Milky pink blooms

Thai varieties with diverse colors

With its stunning appearance and enchanting fragrance, Rhynchostylis gigantea truly deserves the title "Queen of Orchids" in Vietnam. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned grower, there's a variety just right for you.

Follow the Blog section at orchid-vn.com to discover more fascinating wild orchid species!