Cochleanthes flabelliformis

Also known as: The Fan or Warczewiczella gibeziae Zygopetalum conchaceum Zygopetalum cochleatum Warczewiczella cochleata Zygopetalum cochleare Zygopetalum flabelliforme Warczewiczella cochlearis Zygopetalum gibeziae Cochleanthes flabelliformis h.v. peetersi Cochleanthes flabelliformis h.f. marginata Epidendrum flabelliforme Cymbidium flabelliforme Cochleanthes fragrans Huntleya imbricata In Cuba - Lechuga in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Jamaica Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil Panama

General Information

The Fan is a small to medium sized sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Jamaica, Brazil and Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous erect arching leaves that grow to 5-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-3cm

Flowers

A single short lasting, fragrant blossom appears

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

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. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 168mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 74% to 80%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 18C to 27C, highest in August (21C to 27C) and lowest in February (18C to 24C).

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

These plants thrive on fertiliser, especially during periods of growth. Liquid fertiliser can be applied year round at the recommended strength, augmented with manure pellets or other quickly degradable fertiliser, applied away from the base of the plant, during periods of strong growth. Slow release pellets can also be applied year round at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, and by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears. 

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Fertiliser can be applied heavily year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

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,

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.