Cyrtochilum melanthes

Also known as: The Black Flowered Cyrtochilum or Trigonochilum bachmannii Trigonochilum pseudomelanthes Trigonochilum prasinum Odontoglossum prasinum Odontoglossum pseudomelanthes Dasyglossum pseudomelanthes Dasyglossum bachmannii Cyrtochilum pullulans Dasyglossum prasinum Cyrtochilum prasinum Odontoglossum bachmannii Oncidium pseudomelanthes in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Peru Provincia del Azuay - Ecuador Provincia del Tungurahua - Ecuador

General Information

The Black Flowered Cyrtochilum is a sympodial cold growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 33cm. Each new growth has a single erect elliptic, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-27cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-5cm

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 11C to 25C, highest in May (14C to 25C) and lowest in February (11C 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.