Cyclopogon congestus

Also known as: The Congested Cyclopogon or Spiranthes alpestris Serapias congesta Spiranthes alpestris h.v. bidentata Cyclopogon alpestris Cyclopogon alpestris var. bidentatus Cyclopogon langei Cyclopogon saxicola Beadlea bidentata Beadlea congesta Cyclopogon bidentatus in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: Brazil Entre Rios - Argentina Uruguay

General Information

The Congested Cyclopogon is a warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

Plant Description

Grows to 35-45cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 4-18cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 175mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 80% to 84%, highest in December and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 8C to 28C, highest in July (17C to 28C) and lowest in January (8C to 19C).

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

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

Repotting is best done annually.