Leochilus scriptus

Also known as: The Written Leochilus or Leochilus major Leochilus powellii Leochilus retusus Oncidium herbaceum Oncidium scriptum Leochilus herbaceus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Costa Rica Cuba Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil Mexico

General Information

The Written Leochilus is a small sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica, Cuba, Brazil, and Mexico.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15cm. Each new growth has a single leathery elliptic, lance shaped leaf that grows to 1.4-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-4.6cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Autumn and Winter

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Winter

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 to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 63% to 79%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 16C to 33C, highest in May (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (16C to 27C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.