Dracula janetiae

Also known as: Janet's Dracula in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Region de Huanuco - Peru

General Information

Janet's Dracula is a cool growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru. The name refers to Mrs Kuhn, Discoverer of species.

Plant Description

Grows to 16cm. Each new growth has a single erect elliptic leaf that grows to 1.5-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-3cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 632mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Temperature ranges from 11C to 24C, highest in February (12C to 24C) and lowest in January (11C to 23C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually.