Baptistonia cruciata

Native to: Parana - Brazil Tocantins - Brazil

General Information

Baptistonia cruciata is a cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Grows to 20-30cm. Each new growth has a single lance shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-15cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn and Winter

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Winter

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 175mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 80% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 7C to 27C, highest in July (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (7C to 18C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,