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,