What is a fox tail? Characteristics and how to accurately distinguish

Foxtail orchid is not only a beautiful orchid but also fragrant. The long, dreamy flower clusters point to purple and pink colors on a gentle white background. Bring yourself a unique name that makes everyone curious about the origin and characteristics of foxtail orchids, now let Bach Hoa GREEN answer for you.

Introduction to foxtail orchids

The foxtail orchid is also known as the North Fox, the Hong Ngoc orchid, the scientific name is Aerides Rosea and belongs to the Giang Huong family (Aerides). This type of orchid is quite common in the northern provinces such as Cao Bang, Lang Son, Lai Chau, Dien Bien and the Southeast.

The plant is a herbaceous plant with round pillars about the size of a thumb to a big toe. Foxtail orchids usually have an average height of about 50cm, but besides that, there are also more than 1 meter high. The foxtail orchid leaves are quite thin, smooth and about 30cm long and about 4cm in diameter.

Their flower clusters are the most attractive highlight. Maybe because from a distance, these inflorescences stretch like fox tails, so they have the name foxtail orchid. Their flowers will bloom in clusters about 20cm long and usually bloom in the summer from May to July. At noon is when its sweet, seductive fragrance is spread farthest.

Introduction to foxtail orchids

How to distinguish foxtail orchids from foxtail orchids

Foxtail orchids and foxtail orchids are easily confused, people often distinguish them based on the leaves and flowers of these two plants.

Leaves

Foxtail orchids have wide spreading leaves, flat rafters, and foxtail orchids have rather long leaves and a V-shaped camber.

Foxtail orchid leaves spread out to the sides, maybe not in a certain direction because the leaves are quite soft and thin and often inclined to the wind. The leaves of foxtail orchids have the furthest distance at two consecutive leaf tips because their leaves are quite curved and not as closely aligned as foxtail orchids.

On the left is a foxtail orchid, on the right is a foxtail orchid

Flower

The foxtail orchid flowers from April to June, the flowers are long and bunched up in larger clusters than the foxtail orchids and grow intertwined. The flower blade is small dark purple, the petal surface has many purple spots and the flower color is also darker than that of the foxtail orchid.

On the left is a foxtail orchid, on the right is a foxtail orchid

Meaning of foxtail orchid

True to its name, the foxtail orchid when flowering brings a splendid beauty with long bunches of flowers like a fox’s tail mixed with a fragrance that makes many people fall in love. The foxtail orchid looks dreamy but no less delicate when the purple colors seem to blend on the pure white background.

Meaning of foxtail orchid

How to grow and care for foxtail orchids

To choose to buy foxtail orchids, you should choose dark green trees, strong roots and good grip. Do not buy plants that are sprouting young leaves at the top because the plants will be susceptible to heat shock when brought back to plant due to the weather and temperature not being adapted.

Techniques for planting foxtail orchids in pots

Materials: Choose dried wood or charcoal, pine bark, then cut the wood into small pieces the size of a thumb.

Planting pots: Plastic pots, sparse wooden pots, with drainage holes and sturdy hanging ropes.

How to plant: Put the cut wood into the pot, about 10 cm from the pot mouth and put the foxtail orchid so that the roots are slightly submerged but not sealed. Then you use a steel wire to tie the fox tail to the wall of the pot to make sure the tree is firm.

After transplanting you to spend the day, the next day you water the substrate. In the following days, use a mist sprayer to keep the roots moist and stimulate rooting. It takes 5-7 days for the plant to sprout young roots.

Hang the foxtail orchid to avoid direct sunlight

Techniques for planting foxtail orchids in wood

• Foxtail orchids should be paired with woody plants. For large trees and seedlings, vertical grafting should be done, while U, L shaped trees, horizontal grafting is the most suitable.

• How to plant: Use a small steel wire to fix the fox tail to the trunk, then you nail iron or bamboo / wooden nails to fix it firmly when the wind is strong, it will not affect the roots. After transplanting, you need to pay attention to avoid direct sunlight and rain, preferably under the canopy. Every day you remember to mist to keep moisture, spray on the base of the tree to avoid spraying on the top.

Grafting fixed foxtail orchids to the trunk

Care technique

• When the plant begins to take root and grow green, you need to provide enough water and moisture for the plant daily. When in the dry season, you should divide it into several irrigations, and in the rainy season, you should only water when the substrate is dry.

• During the time the plant takes root, you need to add organic fertilizer to the plant to provide the essential nutrients for the plant to grow. In the summer when the plant is about to flower, you need to dilute the fertilizer and water it twice a week, and in the winter, you should reduce the amount of fertilizer.

Caring for foxtail orchids

Where to buy foxtail orchids and how much?

You can find and buy foxtail orchids at bonsai shops specializing in orchids or right on online shopping sites like Shopee, Lazada,…

Their prices range from 500,000 to 1,200,000 VND.

Pictures of fox tail orchids

Bach Hoa Xanh hopes that with the above useful information, it has helped you better understand the foxtail orchid with this lovely beauty. Beautify your garden now!

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