Macradenia regnellii

Also known as: Regnel's Macradenia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Regnel's Macradenia is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Swedish Physisist and Orchid Collector in Brazil in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery thick, erect, rigid, elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-2.5cm

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 19mm to 281mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 12C to 27C, highest in August (18C to 27C) and lowest in January (12C to 21C).

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,