Restrepia aristulifera

Also known as: The Small Awn Restrepia or Restrepia aristulifera f. aristulifera Restrepia aristulifera f. leathersii Restrepia aristulifera h.v. gigantea Restrepia aristulifera h.f. pallida in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Small Awn Restrepia is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. The name refers to the awns at the base of each petal.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 27cm. Each new growth has a single erect oblong shaped leaf that grows to 4-9cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 18cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 274mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in November and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 7C to 20C, highest in August (9C to 20C) and lowest in January (7C to 17C).

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.

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

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 and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.