Otoglossum brevifolium

Also known as: The Short or Otoglossum spathulatum Otoglossum brevifolium var. spathulatum Otoglossum brevifolium var. brevifolium Odontoglossum candelabrum Odontoglossum coronarium var. miniatum Odontoglossum brevifolium var. spathulatum Odontoglossum miniatum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cajamarca - Peru Provincia de Loja - Ecuador

General Information

The Short is a small cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Grows to 33cm. Each new growth has a single erect rigid, elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 7-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-8cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

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

These orchids thrive in humid, cool, shady conditions with good airflow, they will be found under dense forest canopies where they will receive moderate sun exposure throughout the year.

When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 53mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 11C to 24C, highest in June (12C to 24C) and lowest in May (11C to 22C).

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

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.