Prosthechea chondylobulbon
Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Colima - Mexico Departamento de Huehuetenango - Guatemala Guerrero - Mexico México - Mexico Nayarit - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Veracruz - Mexico
General Information
Prosthechea chondylobulbon is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico and Guatemala.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 3-60cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 1-35cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.2-25cm
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Medium
- Bark
- Charcoal
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 203mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 63% to 79%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 9C to 24C, highest in April (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (9C to 19C).
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.
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
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.
