Goniochilus leochilinus

Also known as: The Leochilus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento de Granada - Nicaragua Departamento de Jinotega - Nicaragua Panama Provincia de Alajuela - Costa Rica

General Information

The Leochilus is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-1.7cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 480mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 67% to 90%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 27C, highest in March (15C to 27C) and lowest in January (12C to 23C).

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.

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

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.