Cirrhaea fuscolutea

Also known as: The Deep Yellow Cirrhaea or Scleropteris flava Cirrhaea saccata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil

General Information

The Deep Yellow Cirrhaea is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 5-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-6cm

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 104mm to 312mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 76% to 82%, highest in March and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in August (22C to 29C) and lowest in January (16C to 23C).

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.

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

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 to Tree trunks or Fern slabs. Repotting is best done annually.