Plectrophora alata

Also known as: The Winged Plectrophora or Trichocentrum alatum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Costa Rica Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guatemala Panama

General Information

The Winged Plectrophora is a miniature sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, and Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 9cm. Each new growth has a single oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.6-8.3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.4-0.6cm

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 low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 305mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 85%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 16C to 28C, highest in May (18C to 28C) and lowest in January (16C to 25C).

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.

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,