Scaphyglottis spathulata

Also known as: Hexadesmia jimenezii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Panama

General Information

Scaphyglottis spathulata is a warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Panama.

Plant Description

Grows to 8-35cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.2-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.1-28cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 249mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 71% to 86%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 17C to 27C, highest in March (18C to 27C) and lowest in January (17C to 23C).

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.