Leochilus johnstonii
Also known as: Johnston's Leochilus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Guatemala
General Information
Johnston's Leochilus is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guatemala. It is named after the American Botanist in the 1900's.
Plant Description
Grows to 10cm. Each new growth has a single arching elliptic, lance shaped leaf that grows to 0.6-6.8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.4-1.6cm
Flowers
Numerous blossoms appear during Spring
Blooming Season
- Spring
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 9C to 24C, highest in April (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (9C to 20C).
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
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 well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.