Rhynchostele ehrenbergii

Also known as: Ehrenberg's Rhynchostele or Odontoglossum dawsonianum Odontoglossum rossii var. ehrenbergii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Oaxaca - Mexico Puebla - Mexico

General Information

Ehrenberg's Rhynchostele is a miniature sympodial cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico. It is named after the German Botanist and Orchid Collector in Mexico in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 8-18cm. Each new growth has a single leathery elliptic, lance shaped leaf that grows to 1.5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.2-3cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer, Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer
• Winter

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 48% to 72%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 6C to 25C, highest in April (12C to 25C) and lowest in January (6C to 20C).

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.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,