Meiracyllium wendlandii

Also known as: Wendland's Meiracyllium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guatemala Nayarit - Mexico Veracruz - Mexico

General Information

Wendland's Meiracyllium is a dwarf cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guatemala and Mexico. It is named after the German Orchid Collector and Gardener - Mexico in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Grows to 1-5cm. Each new growth has numerous thick leaves that grow to 2.5-5cm long. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth and can form a mat over time

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Autumn and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the daytime.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 368mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 75% to 82%, highest in September and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 11C to 26C, highest in July (16C to 26C) and lowest in March (11C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser year round.

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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.