Dracula iricolor

Also known as: The Rainbow Dracula in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Antioquia - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador

General Information

The Rainbow Dracula is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 11.2-20cm. Each new growth has a single leaf that grows to 2-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 173mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 81%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 27C, highest in February (13C to 27C) and lowest in January (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

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser during Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

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.