Cyrtochilum hastatum

Also known as: The Lance Cyrtochilum or Cyrtochilum pavonii Maxillaria hastata Oncidium pavonii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Peru

General Information

The Lance Cyrtochilum is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru. The name refers to the lip.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5.5-52cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-16cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 632mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 76% to 81%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 10C to 24C, highest in February (12C to 24C) and lowest in January (10C to 22C).

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.