Dracula niesseniae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

Dracula niesseniae is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 22cm. Each new growth has a single erect elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 3-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-4cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 56mm to 221mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in August. Humidity ranges from 71% to 82%, highest in November and lowest in September. Temperature ranges from 14C to 23C, highest in July (15C to 23C) and lowest in March (14C to 21C).

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

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

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.