Capanemia australis

Native to: Paraguay Parana - Brazil Tocantins - Brazil

General Information

Capanemia australis is a miniature sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Paraguay and Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 1.6cm. Each new growth has a single terete shaped leaf that grows to 1.3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer

Blooming Season

• Summer

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 33mm to 175mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 64% to 79%, highest in December and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 34C, highest in July (22C to 34C) and lowest in January (12C to 26C).

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,