Scaphyglottis behrii

Also known as: Behr's Scaphyglottis or Scaphyglottis guatemalensis Scaphyglottis alba Scaphyglottis sanctae-martae Scaphyglottis albida Scaphyglottis pauciflora Scaphyglottis stenotepala Scaphyglottis bradeorum Ponera albida Hexadesmia stenopetala in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Belize Costa Rica Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guatemala Honduras Mexico Panama

General Information

Behr's Scaphyglottis is a warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Belize, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. It is named after the German Orchid Enthusiast and original collector of species in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Grows to 12-45cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect leaves that grow to 0.2-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.1-20cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

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 10mm to 480mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 67% to 90%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 18C to 33C, highest in March (21C to 33C) and lowest in January (18C to 28C).

Watering

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.