Govenia utriculata

Also known as: Gowen's Orchid or Epidendrum utriculatum Govenia capitata Cymbidium utriculatum Govenia utriculata var. capitata Govenia andrieuxii Limodorum utriculatum Govenia boliviensis Govenia ernstii Govenia gardneri Govenia platyglossa Govenia powellii Govenia sulphurea Small-Hosed Govenia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Argentina Yucatán - Mexico

General Information

Gowen's Orchid is a medium sized cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Argentina and Mexico.

Plant Description

Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 6-40cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15cm

Substrate(s)

• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

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 46mm to 274mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in November and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 12C to 25C, highest in August (14C to 25C) and lowest in January (12C to 22C).

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

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.