Psychilis atropurpurea

Also known as: The Dark Purple Psychilis or Encyclia atropurpurea h.f. alba Epidendrum atropurpureum h.f. album Epidendrum atropurpureum h.v. randianum Epidendrum atropurpureum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Dark Purple Psychilis is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect rigid leaves

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer

Blooming Season

• Summer

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 213mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 12C to 30C, highest in August (17C to 30C) and lowest in January (12C to 28C).

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.