Dracula sibundoyensis

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

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

General Information

The Sibundoy Dracula is a sympodial cold growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador. It is named after the An area in Putomayo COlombia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 36cm. Each new growth has a single erect oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.2-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-6.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 130mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in September. Temperature ranges from 12C to 22C, highest in August (13C to 22C) and lowest in December (12C to 19C).

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.