Rhynchostele pygmaea

Also known as: The Dwarf Rhynchostele or Odontoglossum pygmaeum Leochilus pygmaeus Oncidium pygmaeum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Departamento de Chimaltenango - Guatemala

General Information

The Dwarf Rhynchostele is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico and Guatemala.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 14cm. Each new growth has a single erect arching, elliptic, lance shaped leaf that grows to 0.5-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-3cm

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 0mm to 279mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 72% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 5C to 21C, highest in April (9C to 21C) and lowest in January (5C to 16C).

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.