Macradenia lutescens

Also known as: The Yellowish Macradenia or Rhynchadenia cubensis Macradenia surinamensis Macradenia triandra in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador Guyana Jamaica Pasco - Peru

General Information

The Yellowish Macradenia is a small sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, and Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 24cm. Each new growth has a single lance shaped leaf that grows to 1.4-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-6cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

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 203mm to 381mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 87% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 19C to 31C, highest in March (21C to 31C) and lowest in January (19C to 28C).

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.

Fertiliser

Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

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,