Flame Orchid (Renanthera coccinea): Nature’s Firework

The Renanthera coccinea, also known as the Flame Orchid, is an epiphytic herbaceous plant from the orchid family.

The Flame Orchid has a hard, cylindrical stem with tongue-shaped or oblong leaves. It bears numerous fiery red flowers on its conical or racemose inflorescences from April to June. The vibrant color of the flowers resembles flames, thus earning its name “Flame Orchid”.

The Flame Orchid is native to Hainan and Guangxi in China, and is also found in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

The plant thrives in warm and humid environments, under full or partial sunlight. It is heat-tolerant but not cold-resistant, and grows best in loose, breathable substrates. It is typically propagated by cuttings.

The Flame Orchid’s fiery red flowers make it an excellent choice for indoor decoration and it can also be grown on tree trunks or rocks for ornamental purposes. It is a top-quality material for cut flowers.

The Flame Orchid is a Class II protected plant in China and is listed as endangered (EN) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Among orchid species, the Flame Orchid, a tropical rare and endangered species, is of extremely high ornamental value and is often referred to as the “Giant Panda of the Plant World”.

Botanical History

The Flame Orchid earned its name due to its fiery red flowers that resemble flames from a distance.

Morphological Characteristics

The Flame Orchid has a climbing, robust stem that is hard, cylindrical, over one meter long, and about 1.5 centimeters thick. It rarely branches and has internodes that are 3-4 centimeters long.

The leaves are arranged in two rows, either standing obliquely or stretching out almost horizontally. They are tongue-shaped or oblong, measuring 7-8 centimeters in length and 1.5-3.3 centimeters in width.

The inflorescences are opposite to the leaves, usually 3-4 in number, robust and hard, 1 meter long, and often have several branches. The flowers are numerous, fiery red, and open.

The petals resemble the median sepal but are smaller, nearly round at the tip, and have orange-yellow spots on the inner edge of the margin. The flowering period is from April to July.

Habitat

The Flame Orchid is found in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It climbs and grows on the edges of ditches, on the trunks of sparse forests, and on rocks, up to an altitude of 1400 meters.

It prefers warm and humid environments, thriving under full or partial sunlight. It is heat-tolerant but not cold-resistant, and grows best in loose, breathable substrates.

Reproduction

The Flame Orchid is typically propagated by cuttings.

Division

This can be done after flowering or in spring or autumn. Naturally sprouted buds on the plant or new buds growing after the top of the mother plant has been removed can be cut off with a knife and planted separately.

Alternatively, the upper part of the stem with three or more aerial roots can be cut off and planted in a new pot.

Cutting

After a while, the remaining stem will sprout new buds, which can be used for cutting. Cutting is best done in spring or autumn, or after flowering.

Cultivation Techniques

Temperature: The Flame Orchid prefers a high-temperature environment, and the optimal growth temperature is 18-35°C.

It is not cold-resistant and needs to spend the winter in a medium or high-temperature greenhouse. Provided the temperature is suitable, the plant does not have a dormant period.

Light: The Flame Orchid is a sun-loving orchid species and requires strong light. However, when it grows on trees, it cannot withstand strong sunlight, or its leaves will turn yellow.

Watering: The Flame Orchid doesn’t have a dormant period and prefers ample water throughout its growth period. It needs to be watered sufficiently to keep the potting soil moist.

Environmental Humidity: The Flame Orchid prefers a high relative air humidity and should be sprayed with water on its leaves frequently to maintain a relative air humidity of 70%-80%. Otherwise, it will affect the growth of the plant.

Fertilizing: Base fertilizer should be used when planting, and additional fertilizer should be applied every half month during the growth season. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be added when the plant is about to bloom.

Substrate: Fern roots, charcoal, bark pieces, and coconut husk can be used as substrates.

Main Value

Ornamental

The Flame Orchid’s fiery red flowers make it an excellent choice for indoor decoration and it can also be grown on tree trunks or rocks for ornamental purposes. It is a top-quality material for cut flowers.

Among orchid species, the Flame Orchid, a tropical rare and endangered species, is of extremely high ornamental value and is often referred to as the “Giant Panda of the Plant World”.

Medicinal

In the “New Chinese Herbal Compendium”, the whole plant of the Flame Orchid is listed as a treatment for fractures. It can also be used to treat rheumatic pain.