Pollardia michuacana

Also known as: The Michoacan Pollardia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guatemala Guerrero - Mexico Honduras México - Mexico Morelos - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

The Michoacan Pollardia is a sympodial cool to warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. It is named after a Mexican State.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 140cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-63cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-12cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear throughout the year

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring
• Summer
• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids live on the forest floor, often in dead leaves or humus, yet still have the organs that would allow them to store water given unpredictable or intermittent weather conditions. They require some moisture to always be present in the soil, but not much. Water when the soil approaches dryness and don't let it dry out completely. Some growers place pots in saucers to retain water, but this may create an environment that is too wet, leading to rot.

In most areas these can be grown in the garden under trees or in sheltered locations, as long as they are reasonably protected from huge weather swings, excessive heat, and frost.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 75%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 4C to 27C, highest in April (12C to 27C) and lowest in January (4C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.

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

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. Repotting is best done after the growing season when the plant has died back.

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.

 

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. Repotting is best done annually.