Rodrigueziella handroi

Also known as: Handroi's Rodrigueziella in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil

General Information

Handroi's Rodrigueziella is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil. It is named after the Brazilian Orchid Collector in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.7-9cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.4-6cm

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.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 28mm to 201mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 80% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 8C to 24C, highest in July (15C to 24C) and lowest in January (8C to 19C).

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,

This plant does well mounted.