A yellow Renanthera Kalsom stands out among its red cousins.

Anyone who is familiar with Renanthera orchids knows that when they decide to bloom, they often do so with a bang. Numbering by the hundreds, Renanthera flowers are so bright and intensely red, they appear to pop mid-air. This ability to give a visual feast is an endearing quality that has made this genus very popular.

Renanthera Kalsom (Ren. philippinensis x Ren. storiei) exemplifies the best traits of this genus. The red flowers are arranged with mathematical perfection on a branching inflorescence and remind us of Chinese firecrackers before they are lit. When all are opened, the flowers look like they are on fire!

So it comes quite as a surprise when I came across a yellow Renanthera Kalsom at an orchid show. Among its red cousins, it stands out more than anything.

Behold:

Gorgeous, right?

 

Very long branching stems hold numerous yellow flowers.

 

Renanthera Kalsom ‘Yellow’. Typical red form can be seen in the background.

 

Should you wish to know what the plant looks like – tall monopodial vandaceous hybrid.

 

Renanthera orchids generally do well under bright light, just a notch below full sun. They are robust plants and will grow very tall under the right conditions and regular feeding.