Cyrtochilum cimiciferum

Also known as: The Bug Carrying Cyrtochilum or Trigonochilum macropus Trigonochilum miradorense Trigonochilum rusbyi Oncidium macropus Cyrtochilum miradorense Cyrtochilum rusbyi Cyrtochilum macropus Oncidium cimiferum Oncidium miradorense Oncidium rusbyi in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Provincia de Pichincha - Ecuador

General Information

The Bug Carrying Cyrtochilum is a sympodial warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 3-50cm long

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

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. 

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 173mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 81%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 7C to 22C, highest in February (8C to 22C) and lowest in January (7C to 19C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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,