Dracula psittacina

Also known as: The Parrot Dracula or Dracula psitticina in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

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

General Information

The Parrot Dracula is a sympodial cold growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. It is named after the probably an allusion for the flower bud.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 44cm. Each new growth has a single erect elliptic leaf that grows to 1-35cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-9cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

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 9C to 24C, highest in March (11C to 24C) and lowest in June (9C to 22C).

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

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 year round. 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 Repotting is best done annually.