Lophiaris lanceana

Also known as: Lance's Lophiaris in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guyana Loreto - Peru Region de San Martin - Peru Sao Paulo - Brazil

General Information

Lance's Lophiaris is a medium sized warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Guyana, Peru, and Brazil. It is named after the English Orchid Enthusiast in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Grows to 30-51cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery thick, erect, rigid, elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 12.5-51cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as rich and spicy

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 132mm to 345mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 73% to 86%, highest in October and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 20C to 33C, highest in March (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (20C to 30C).

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.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,