Notylia hemitricha

Also known as: The Semi in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bahia - Brazil Pernambuco - Brazil

General Information

The Semi is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 14-17cm. Each new growth has a single leathery oblong shaped leaf that grows to 3-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-3.5cm

Climate

These orchids thrive in hot, steamy locations, living in low altitude jungle areas where they often receive heavy sporadic rainfall, warm humid winds, and sunlight filtered year round by the surrounding growth. 

They can survive, but will often struggle if the humid, warm conditions are not met - roots will die back and leaves will thin out, spikes and buds can be aborted if conditions change too frequently during flowering. They can tolerate cooler or drier conditions temporarily, but extended exposure will seriously affect them.

They will grow best in the tropics, especially coastal areas where they receive ocean breezes, but can do well in a greenhouse, supplied that the humidity is kept high, temperature is not allowed to skyrocket and extra shade is provided during hot weather.

 

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 84mm to 302mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 90%, highest in December and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 17C to 29C, highest in June (19C to 29C) and lowest in January (17C to 24C).

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.