Rhynchostele londesboroughiana

Also known as: Odontoglossum londesboroughianum Mesoglossum londesboroughianum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guerrero - Mexico

General Information

Rhynchostele londesboroughiana is a medium to large sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 4.5-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4.5-7.5cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear during Autumn and Winter

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• 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 0mm to 132mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Temperature ranges from 13C to 33C, highest in April (20C to 33C) and lowest in January (13C to 29C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well. Repotting is best done after the growing season when the plant has died back.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.