Eulophia ecristata

Also known as: Pteroglossaspis ecristata f. purpurea Orthochilus ecristatus Pteroglossaspis ecristata h.f. flava Orthochilus strictus Triorchos ecristatus Triorchos strictus Cyrtopodium ecristatum Cyrtopodium strictum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba

General Information

Eulophia ecristata is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba.

Plant Description

Grows to 5-170cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 3.5-70cm long

Substrate(s)

• Fine
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 43mm to 221mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 70% to 79%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 11C to 32C, highest in August (23C to 32C) and lowest in January (11C to 21C).

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

Repotting is best done annually.