Ionopsis orchioides

Native to: Cundinamarca - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

Ionopsis orchioides is a small cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

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 51mm to 160mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 68% to 76%, highest in November and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 9C to 20C, highest in February (11C to 20C) and lowest in January (9C to 18C).

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,