Platanthera chapmanii

Also known as: Chapman's Platanthera in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

General Information

Chapman's Platanthera is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae. It is named after the American Botanist in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Grows to 60-100cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 10-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 60-100cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer

Blooming Season

• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 33mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 68% to 79%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 8C to 33C, highest in July (24C to 33C) and lowest in January (8C to 19C).

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.