Lepanthes platysepala

Also known as: Broad Sepal Lepanthes in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Antioquia - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

Broad Sepal Lepanthes is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 0.25-50cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery elliptic leaves that grow to 0.1-0.9cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 69% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 11C to 25C, highest in March (12C to 25C) and lowest in June (11C to 23C).

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.

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.