What is a Foxtail Fern? Features and How to Accurately Identify Them.

Foxy Tail Orchid, or Aerides rosea, is not just any orchid—it captivates with its exquisite beauty and enchanting fragrance. Its dreamy, long-trailing blooms showcase a stunning combination of purple and pink hues against a gentle white backdrop. With a unique name that sparks curiosity about its origins and characteristics, let Bach Hoa XANH enlighten you about this fascinating orchid.

1 Introduction to Foxy Tail Orchid

Also known as Cao Bac or Hong Ngoc Orchid, its scientific name is Aerides rosea, belonging to the Aerides genus in the Orchidaceae family. This orchid species is commonly found in the northern provinces of Vietnam, such as Cao Bang, Lang Son, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, and the Southeast region.

Foxy Tail Orchid is a herbaceous plant with a cylindrical stem that can grow as thick as a thumb or even a big toe. While the average height of this orchid is around 50 cm, some specimens can reach impressive heights of over one meter. Its leaves are thin, smooth, and lengthy, measuring about 30 cm in length and 4 cm in width.

The true showstoppers are its flower clusters, which hang gracefully and resemble the tails of foxes, hence the name Foxy Tail Orchid. These flowers bloom in the summer, from May to July, forming long clusters up to 20 cm in length. Their captivating fragrance is most potent during the noon hours, spreading its alluring scent far and wide.

Introduction to Foxy Tail Orchid

2 Distinguishing Foxy Tail Orchid from Racoon Tail Orchid

Foxy Tail Orchid is often confused with Racoon Tail Orchid, but there are distinct differences between the two species, especially in their leaves and flowers.

Leaves

Foxy Tail Orchid leaves fan out flat and wide, while Racoon Tail Orchid leaves are longer and curve inward, forming a “V” shape. The leaves of the Foxy Tail Orchid spread out in different directions due to their softness and thinness, gently swaying with the wind. In contrast, the leaves of the Racoon Tail Orchid have the widest gap between consecutive leaves because of their curved shape and less compact arrangement.

Left: Foxy Tail Orchid, Right: Racoon Tail Orchid

Flowers

Racoon Tail Orchid blooms earlier, from April to June, with larger, denser flower clusters than Foxy Tail Orchid. Its purple tongue is darker, and the petals are adorned with purple speckles, giving it a deeper shade overall compared to its cousin.

Left: Foxy Tail Orchid flower, Right: Racoon Tail Orchid flower

3 Significance of Foxy Tail Orchid

True to its name, the Foxy Tail Orchid boasts a magnificent display of long-trailing blooms that evoke the image of a fox’s tail. This, coupled with its intoxicating fragrance, captivates and enchants all who behold it. The purple hues against a pristine white background lend a touch of fantasy and elegance to this orchid’s allure.

Significance of Foxy Tail Orchid

4 Cultivation and Care of Foxy Tail Orchid

When purchasing Foxy Tail Orchids, opt for plants with deep green, robust roots that cling securely. Avoid those with emerging new leaves at the top, as they may experience heat shock when transplanted due to temperature and environmental adjustments.

Planting Technique for Foxy Tail Orchid in Pots

Materials: Use dry wood, charcoal, or pine bark, cut into thumb-sized pieces.

Pot: Choose a plastic or wooden pot with a loose weave, drainage holes, and sturdy hanging wires.

Planting Method: Fill the pot with the cut wood pieces, leaving a 10 cm gap from the rim. Place the orchid so that its roots are slightly submerged but not covered. Secure the orchid to the pot by wrapping wire around it and attaching it to the pot’s rim.

After planting, wait a day before thoroughly watering the growing medium. Subsequently, use a spray bottle to mist the roots daily to maintain moisture and encourage root growth. Within 5-7 days, you should see new root growth.

Hang Foxy Tail Orchid to avoid direct sunlight

Planting Technique for Foxy Tail Orchid on Wood

• Foxy Tail Orchids thrive when mounted on wooden surfaces. For larger, straight trees, mount the orchid vertically, while for U or L-shaped trees, horizontal mounting is best.

• Secure the orchid to the tree using thin wire, and then hammer in iron or wooden nails to ensure stability, especially during windy conditions. After mounting, place the tree in a shaded area, preferably under a larger tree’s canopy. Remember to mist the roots daily, spraying at the base of the tree rather than the top.

Mounting Foxy Tail Orchid on a tree

Care Instructions

• Once the orchid has established new roots and is thriving, ensure it receives adequate water and moisture daily. During sunny periods, divide watering into multiple sessions, while in rainy seasons, water only when the growing medium is dry.

• While the orchid is developing new roots, supplement it with organic fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for growth. During the summer, when the orchid is preparing to bloom, dilute the fertilizer and apply it twice a week. Reduce fertilization during winter.

Caring for Foxy Tail Orchid

5 Where to Buy Foxy Tail Orchid and Price Range

You can find Foxy Tail Orchids at specialized orchid nurseries or purchase them online through platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Prices typically range from 500,000 to 1,200,000 VND.

Images of Foxy Tail Orchid