Odontoglossum kegeljani

Also known as: Kegel's Odontoglossum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Provincia de Loja - Ecuador

General Information

Kegel's Odontoglossum is a sympodial cold to cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador. It is named after the Orchid Gardener at Botanical Garden In Halle Germany in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.8-22cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

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. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 8C to 22C, highest in May (11C to 22C) and lowest in February (8C to 19C).

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,

This plant does well mounted.