Lepanthes brachystele

Also known as: The Short Column Lepanthes in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guerrero - Mexico

General Information

The Short Column Lepanthes is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Grows to 7cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic lance shaped leaf that grows to 0.3-3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.04-4cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 75%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 1C to 24C, highest in April (8C to 24C) and lowest in January (1C to 18C).

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

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly 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.