Dracula houtteana
Also known as: Houtte's Dracula or Masdevallia mosquerae Masdevallia carderiopsis Dracula carderiopsis Dracula mosquerae Masdevallia carderi var. mosquerae Masdevallia callifera Dracula callifera in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Antioquia - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia
General Information
Houtte's Dracula is a sympodial cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. It is named after the Belgian Orchid Enthusiast in the 19th century.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Each new growth has a single erect leaf that grows to 1-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-6cm
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Charcoal
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Care Notes
These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.
These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.
Climate
The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.
For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants.
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 69% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 12C to 26C, highest in March (13C to 26C) and lowest in June (12C to 24C).Watering
These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.
Fertiliser
Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.
Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.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,
Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.
