Paphinia rugosa

Also known as: The Wrinkly Paphinia or Paphinia rugosa var. kalbreyeri Paphinia rugosa var. sanderiana Paphinia rugosa h.v. modiglianiana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Antioquia - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Wrinkly Paphinia is an intermediate to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Grows to 42cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped leaves that grow to 10-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-3.8cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 69% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 18C to 32C, highest in March (19C to 32C) and lowest in June (18C to 30C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.