Rodriguezia vasquezii

Also known as: Vasquez's Rodriguezia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Vasquez's Rodriguezia is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Bolivian Orchid Collector Current.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has a single leathery erect, elliptic leaf that grows to 1-6.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.7-2cm

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 284mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 63% to 81%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 27C, highest in March (18C to 27C) and lowest in February (11C to 22C).

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 orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less.