Leochilus puertoricensis

Also known as: The Puerto Rico Leochilus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Puerto Rico

General Information

The Puerto Rico Leochilus is a sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Puerto Rico.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 8.5cm. Each new growth has a single leathery elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.8-8.2cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.6-2cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

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.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 56mm to 168mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 75% to 80%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 20C to 31C, highest in August (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (20C to 28C).

Watering

Mist during hot weather

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

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.