Ada mendozae

Also known as: Mendoza's Ada in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Provincia de Loja - Ecuador

General Information

Mendoza's Ada is a sympodial cool growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador. It is named after the Ecuadorian Collector of species.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 26cm. Each new growth has a single oblong shaped leaf that grows to 3.2-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-8cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 53mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 12C to 25C, highest in June (13C to 25C) and lowest in May (12C to 23C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.