Cyrtochilum fractum

Also known as: The Bent Cyrtochilum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Peru Provincia de Loja - Ecuador

General Information

The Bent Cyrtochilum is a sympodial cool to warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. The name refers to the multibranched twining inflorescence that grows through tree branches for support becuse of it's long length.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 3-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10cm

Care Notes

These orchids live on the forest floor, often in dead leaves or humus, yet still have the organs that would allow them to store water given unpredictable or intermittent weather conditions. They require some moisture to always be present in the soil, but not much. Water when the soil approaches dryness and don't let it dry out completely. Some growers place pots in saucers to retain water, but this may create an environment that is too wet, leading to rot.

In most areas these can be grown in the garden under trees or in sheltered locations, as long as they are reasonably protected from huge weather swings, excessive heat, and frost.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 53mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 13C to 26C, highest in June (14C to 26C) and lowest in May (13C to 24C).

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.