Restrepia wageneri

Also known as: Wagner's Restrepia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Wagner's Restrepia is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the German Traveler and Orchid Collector in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Grows to 7.5cm. Each new growth has a single erect rigid, elliptic, terete shaped leaf that grows to 2.3-4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

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 9C to 22C, highest in August (11C to 22C) and lowest in January (9C to 19C).

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.