Cycnoches barthiorum

Also known as: Barth's Cycnoches in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

Barth's Cycnoches is a medium sized warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. It is named after the Colombian Orchid Growers early in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Grows to 39cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 4.7-21cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.7-18cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Perlite

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 elevations. Rainfall ranges from 124mm to 442mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 86% to 88%, highest in May and lowest in November. Temperature ranges from 23C to 28C, highest in April (23C to 28C) and lowest in January (23C to 26C).

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in 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 to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.