Constantia australis

Native to: Paraíba - Brazil

General Information

Constantia australis is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 0.6-0.9cm. Each new growth has numerous rigid leaves that grow to 0.4-0.7cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.6-0.9cm

Substrate(s)

• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 56mm to 193mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 78% to 81%, highest in March and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 11C to 25C, highest in July (18C to 25C) and lowest in January (11C to 18C).

Watering

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.

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

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