Cischweinfia rostrata

Also known as: The Beaked Cischweinfia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Provincia de Esmeraldas - Ecuador Provincia de Pichincha - Ecuador

General Information

The Beaked Cischweinfia is a sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has a single elliptic leaf that grows to 1.2-14cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-7cm

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 to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 193mm per day, heaviest in February and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 82% to 87%, highest in February and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 17C to 26C, highest in August (18C to 26C) and lowest in September (17C to 25C).

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,