Scaphyglottis stellata

Also known as: The Star or Scaphyglottis floribunda Scaphyglottis brachiata Scaphyglottis ochroleuca Ponera amethystina Scaphyglottis amethystina in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Costa Rica Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guatemala Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil Panama Sao Paulo - Brazil

General Information

The Star is a warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Panama.

Plant Description

Grows to 10-45cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.3-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-19cm

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 56mm to 183mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in October. Humidity ranges from 81% to 88%, highest in June and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 18C to 31C, highest in September (20C to 31C) 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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

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.