Rhynchostele madrensis

Also known as: The Sierra Madre Rhynchostele or Lemboglossum madrense Odontoglossum madrense in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guerrero - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

The Sierra Madre Rhynchostele is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico. It is named after the Mountain Range in Mexico.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25-38cm. Each new growth has numerous arching lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.6-26cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-12cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

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 3C to 26C, highest in April (11C to 26C) and lowest in January (3C to 20C).

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 year round. 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.