Oerstedella schweinfurthiana

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

Native to: Departamento de Zacapa - Guatemala

General Information

Schweinfurth's Oerstedella is a large cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guatemala. It is named after the American Botanist in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Grows to 65cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid, elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.8-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 65cm

Substrate(s)

• Charcoal

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. 

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 6C to 21C, highest in April (11C to 21C) and lowest in January (6C to 17C).

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.

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. Repotting is best done annually.