Caucaea sanguinolenta

Also known as: The Bleeding Caucaea or Caucaea mimetica h.f. xanthina Caucaea sanguinolentum Oncidium sanguinolentum Oncidium mimeticum Caucaea mimetica Oncidium olivaceum var. flavidum Oncidium mimeticum var. flavidum Oncidium cucullatum var. sanguinolentum Leochilus sanguinolentus Oncidium olivaceum var. sanguinolentum Oncidium cucullatum var. flavidum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Bleeding Caucaea is a sympodial cold growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. The name refers to the spots on the lip.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 17cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.8-4cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 33mm to 277mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in August. Humidity ranges from 62% to 79%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 4C to 19C, highest in August (5C to 19C) and lowest in May (4C to 17C).

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.

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 This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.