Restrepia antennifera

Also known as: The Antennae Carrying Restrepia or Restrepia antennifera var. roseola Restrepia antennifera var. puntillosa Restrepia antennifera var. maculata Restrepia leopardina var. rosea Restrepia antennifera h.v. gigantea Restrepia antennifera ssp. hemsleyana Restrepia antennifera ssp. klabochorum Pleurothallis ospinae Restrepia antennifera h.f. cuprea Restrepia hemsleyana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador

General Information

The Antennae Carrying Restrepia is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 12-33cm. Each new growth has a single leathery erect, elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.5-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 8-23cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 69% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 12C to 26C, highest in March (13C to 26C) and lowest in June (12C to 24C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.