Helcia brevis

Also known as: The Short Helcia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Short Helcia is a sympodial warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has a single elliptic lance shaped leaf that grows to 15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 7.5-12.7cm

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 69% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 14C to 29C, highest in March (16C to 29C) and lowest in June (14C to 27C).

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

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round.

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,