Epidendrum schlechterianum

Also known as: Schlechter's Epidendrum or Epidendrum congestoides Epidendrum neodiscolor Epidendrum gonzalez-tamayoi Nanodes discolor in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Costa Rica Guatemala Guerrero - Mexico Honduras Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

Schlechter's Epidendrum is a miniature hot growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. It is named after the German Taxomonist early in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Grows to 6.4cm. Each new growth has numerous thick erect leaves that grow to 0.2-3cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 81mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 17C to 33C, highest in May (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (17C to 26C).

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.

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser year round.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.