Fernandezia ionanthera

Also known as: The Violet Column Fernandezia or Centropetalum ionantherum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Amazonas - Peru Cajamarca - Peru Provincia de Loja - Ecuador

General Information

The Violet Column Fernandezia is a miniature monopodial cold to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 15cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 0.4-2cm long

Flowers

A single blossom appears during Summer, Autumn and Spring

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring
• Summer

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 632mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 76% to 81%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 5C to 19C, highest in February (7C to 19C) and lowest in January (5C to 17C).

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.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,