Ionopsis burchellii

Native to: Para - Brazil

General Information

Ionopsis burchellii is an orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Climate

These orchids thrive in hot, steamy locations, living in low altitude jungle areas where they often receive heavy sporadic rainfall, warm humid winds, and sunlight filtered year round by the surrounding growth. 

They can survive, but will often struggle if the humid, warm conditions are not met - roots will die back and leaves will thin out, spikes and buds can be aborted if conditions change too frequently during flowering. They can tolerate cooler or drier conditions temporarily, but extended exposure will seriously affect them.

They will grow best in the tropics, especially coastal areas where they receive ocean breezes, but can do well in a greenhouse, supplied that the humidity is kept high, temperature is not allowed to skyrocket and extra shade is provided during hot weather.

 

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 25mm to 312mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in November and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 19C to 29C, highest in July (22C to 29C) and lowest in January (19C 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.