Satyrium coriifolium

Also known as: The Leather or Satyrium chrysostachyum Orchis bicornis Satyrium coriifolium var. maculatum Orchis calcarata Satyrium coriifolium h.f. maculatum Satyrium aureum in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: South Africa

General Information

The Leather is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to South Africa.

Plant Description

Grows to 75cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, rigid, elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 20-75cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 15mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in August. Humidity ranges from 63% to 79%, highest in January and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 6C to 24C, highest in August (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (6C to 16C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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.