Cyrtochilum volubile

Also known as: The Turning Cyrtochilum or Oncidium corynephorum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

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

General Information

The Turning Cyrtochilum is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 34-50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 3-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

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 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 12C to 26C, highest in February (14C to 26C) and lowest in January (12C 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.

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.

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,