Lophiaris carthagenensis

Also known as: The Cartagena Lophiaris or In Cuba Guataca de Burro in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba Departamento de Bolivar - Colombia Departamento de Copan - Honduras Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guatemala Jalisco - Mexico Panama Parana - Brazil Sao Paulo - Brazil Tamaulipas - Mexico

General Information

The Cartagena Lophiaris is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Brazil. It is named after the mules ear.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 11.5-42.5cm. Each new growth has a single leathery thick, rigid leaf that grows to 3-40cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 328mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 62% to 80%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 16C to 34C, highest in March (19C to 34C) and lowest in January (16C to 31C).

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.

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.

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.