Cyrtochilum leopoldianum

Also known as: Leopold's Cyrtochilum or Cyrtochilum villenaorum Oncidium leopoldii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Loreto - Peru Region de San Martin - Peru

General Information

Leopold's Cyrtochilum is a sympodial cold growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru. It is named after the Belgian King late in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 32cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 12cm. 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 33mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in November. Temperature ranges from 13C to 26C, highest in March (16C to 26C) and lowest in January (13C to 24C).

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.

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,