Baptistonia riograndense

Native to: Parana - Brazil Tocantins - Brazil

General Information

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

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 elevations. Rainfall ranges from 89mm to 168mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in June. Humidity ranges from 73% to 81%, highest in November and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 10C to 30C, highest in June (19C to 30C) and lowest in January (10C to 20C).

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,