Gomesa planifolia

Also known as: The Flat Leaved Gomesa or Gomesa planifolia var. crocea Gomesa planifolia var. densa Odontoglossum planifolium Gomesa reclinata Gomesa planifolia var. laxa in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Argentina Paraguay Parana - Brazil Tocantins - Brazil

General Information

The Flat Leaved Gomesa is a sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 14-28cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-8cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• 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. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 33mm to 175mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 64% to 79%, highest in December and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 34C, highest in July (22C to 34C) and lowest in January (11C to 24C).

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,