Coryanthes leucocorys

Also known as: The White Helmut Coryanthes in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Amazonas - Peru Loreto - Peru Region de San Martin - Peru

General Information

The White Helmut Coryanthes is a large sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 8-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 6.5cm. The plant forms clusters over time

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as strong

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

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 33mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in November. Temperature ranges from 16C to 28C, highest in March (18C to 28C) and lowest in January (16C to 26C).

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

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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted.