Cyclopogon elatus

Also known as: The Stately Cyclopogon or Cyclopogon densiflorus Sauroglossum richardii Spiranthes elata var. foliosa Spiranthes elata var. humilis Spiranthes elata var. longipetiolata Spiranthes elata var. minutiflora Spiranthes elata var. ovata Neottia minor Spiranthes elata var. parvifolia Neottia elata Satyrium elatum Spiranthes elata Spiranthes variegata Beadlea elata Gyrostachys minor Ibidium elatum Gyrostachys haenkeana in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: Buenos Aires - Argentina Cordoba - Argentina Guatemala Guerrero - Mexico Jamaica Misiones - Argentina Morelos - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Puerto Rico Veracruz - Mexico

General Information

The Stately Cyclopogon is a hot growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.3-70cm. Each new growth has numerous thick leaves that grow to 2.1-22cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 70cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

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 16C to 25C, highest in August (19C to 25C) and lowest in February (16C to 22C).

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

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

Repotting is best done annually.