Holcoglossum quasipinifolium
Also known as: The Pine Needle in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: China
General Information
The Pine Needle is a medium sized monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China.
Plant Description
Monopodial. Grows to 0.2-30cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 0.3-10cm long
Flowers
Numerous blossoms appear during Winter and Spring
Blooming Season
- Spring
- Winter
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Medium
- Bark
- Charcoal
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Care Notes
These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.
These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 912mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 78% to 92%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 2C to 19C, highest in August (11C to 19C) and lowest in January (2C to 12C).
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.
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 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,
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.
