Cyrtochilum cordatum

Also known as: The Heart or Cyrtochilum pastorellii Oncidium pastorellii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Junin - Peru Loreto - Peru

General Information

The Heart is a sympodial cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru. The name refers to the lip.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 29-50cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3.8-44cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 9cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

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 8mm to 122mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 78%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 7C to 27C, highest in February (14C to 27C) and lowest in January (7C to 24C).

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.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

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,