Lophiaris lurida

Also known as: Dingy Flowered Lophiaris in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Departamento de Copan - Honduras Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guatemala Guerrero - Mexico Guyana Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil Nayarit - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Parana - Brazil Sao Paulo - Brazil Veracruz - Mexico

General Information

Dingy Flowered Lophiaris is a large cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Guatemala, Guyana, and Brazil.

Plant Description

Grows to 30-64cm. Each new growth has a single leathery rigid, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 3.5-85cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5cm

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. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 508mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 82% to 90%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 16C to 28C, highest in May (20C to 28C) and lowest in January (16C to 21C).

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.

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,