Bifrenaria tetragona

Also known as: The Rectangular Bulbed Bifrenaria or Epidendrum calcaratum Bifrenaria tetragona var. rupicola Bifrenaria tetragona var. umbrophila in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil

General Information

The Rectangular Bulbed Bifrenaria is a medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 31-58cm. Each new growth has a single thick elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 8-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-13cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as musty, strong and unpleasant

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 239mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 83%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 26C, highest in August (18C to 26C) and lowest in January (12C to 19C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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 Repotting is best done annually.