Rhynchostele cervantesii

Also known as: Cervantes' Rhynchostele or Rhynchostele cervantesii ssp. membranacea Rhynchostele cervantesii ssp. cervantesii Lemboglossum cervantesii h.f. lilacina Odontoglossum cervantesii h.v. majus Odontoglossum cervantesii h.f. roseum Rhynchostele cervantesii ssp. halbingeriana Odontoglossum membranaceum Odontoglossum cervantesii var. decorum Odontoglossum cervantesii subvar. roseum Amparoa cervantesii ssp. occidentalis Amparoa cervantesii ssp. membranacea Lemboglossum cervantesii f. lilacinum Oncidium membranaceum Odontoglossum cervantesii var. membranaceum Odontoglossum cervantesii var. lilacinum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Durango - Mexico Guatemala Guerrero - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Sinaloa - Mexico

General Information

Cervantes' Rhynchostele is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico and Guatemala. It is named after the Mexican Botany Professor in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 8-22cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5-16cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-6.5cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Autumn and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

This orchid goes into a dormancy phase during winter, during this phase it is best not to provide water unless the plant is starting to look thirsty. The lack of water increases the chance of flowering in spring, and also reduces the likelihood of any rot forming. Do not resume watering until new growth has appeared and is growing strongly.

Often a period of intense growth occurs after dormancy. During this time the amount of light, water and fertiliser the plant receives will directly impact the amount of growth that occurs during this time, and in the case of seedlings, will reduce the time required to reach maturity.

It's recommended to heavily reduce the water amount at the middle to end of autumn to trigger dormancy. Leaves on older bulbs will begin to drop during this time while the newer bulbs continue to mature until terminal leaves appear at the tip of the pseudobulbs.

Repotting can be done any time of the year though it's best to do it in early spring when new growth is appearing as this also means new roots will appear to help the plant anchor into the new media and offset any damage to established roots during the repotting process.

 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids thrive in humid, cool, shady conditions with good airflow, they will be found under dense forest canopies where they will receive moderate sun exposure throughout the year.

When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 75%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 5C to 28C, highest in April (12C to 28C) and lowest in January (5C to 22C).

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

dormant-medium-demand-orchid 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

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted.