Oerstedella schumanniana

Also known as: Schumann's Oerstedella in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Costa Rica Panama

General Information

Schumann's Oerstedella is a medium sized warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica and Panama. It is named after the German Cactus Specialist early 20th cen.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.2-150cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 1.5-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-150cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Winter

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

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 low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 1mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 70% to 88%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 17C to 28C, highest in February (19C to 28C) and lowest in January (17C to 25C).

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.

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 during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

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.