Mexicoa ghiesbreghtiana

Also known as: Gheisbreght's Mexicoa {Mexican Orchid Collector 1800's] in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guerrero - Mexico Jalisco - Mexico México - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

Gheisbreght's Mexicoa {Mexican Orchid Collector 1800's] is a cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Grows to 19cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid leaves that grow to 1.5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

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.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 132mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Temperature ranges from 8C to 28C, highest in April (14C to 28C) and lowest in January (8C to 24C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser during Summer and Winter. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer and Winter.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.