Rodriguezia carnea

Also known as: The Flesh Red Rodriguezia or Rodriguezia minor in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador Para - Brazil Peru Sao Paulo - Brazil

General Information

The Flesh Red Rodriguezia is a small to medium sized sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10-12cm. Each new growth has a single leathery thick, arching, rigid leaf that grows to 2-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.7-1.5cm

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 low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 183mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 64% to 84%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 13C to 32C, highest in March (20C to 32C) and lowest in January (13C to 28C).

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.

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,