Pescatoria violacea

Also known as: The Violet Pescatoria or Zygopetalum violaceum Bollea violacea f. alba Bollea guianensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil French Guiana Guyana

General Information

The Violet Pescatoria is a hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil, French Guiana and Guyana.

Plant Description

Grows to 15-30cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 5-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15-30cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Summer

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Summer

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 elevations. Rainfall ranges from 66mm to 394mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in October. Humidity ranges from 79% to 88%, highest in May and lowest in October. Temperature ranges from 21C to 33C, highest in September (22C to 33C) and lowest in February (21C 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.

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 year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

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,