Barkeria melanocaulon

Also known as: Dark or Barkeria melanocaulon h.f. alba Barkeria halbingeri in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

Dark is a miniature cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Grows to 15cm. Each new growth has numerous thick elliptic leaves that grow to 10-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15-23cm

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 75%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 8C to 31C, highest in April (16C to 31C) and lowest in January (8C to 25C).

Watering

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser during Summer and Winter. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer and Winter.

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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.