Prosthechea maculosa

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

Prosthechea maculosa is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 2-40cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.9-28cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-12cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

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.