Gudrunia tuerckheimii

General Information

Gudrunia tuerckheimii is a cold to cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Each new growth has a single thick leaf that grows to 1.5-25cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths and forms clusters over time

Substrate(s)

• 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 38mm to 213mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 9C to 27C, highest in August (13C to 27C) and lowest in January (9C to 24C).

Watering

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted.