Cyrtochilum distans

Also known as: The Well Spaced Cyrtochilum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Well Spaced Cyrtochilum is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. The name refers to the placing of the pseudobulbsa on the rhizome.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has a single lance shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-50cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-10cm

Climate

These orchids thrive in cool, conditions with good airflow. When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 160mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 68% to 76%, highest in November and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 3C to 14C, highest in February (5C to 14C) and lowest in January (3C to 12C).

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

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.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round.