Scaphyglottis tenella

Also known as: The Delicate Scaphyglottis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Nicaragua Panama

General Information

The Delicate Scaphyglottis is a warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Nicaragua and Panama.

Plant Description

Grows to 45-65cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.1-26cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-42cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 1mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 70% to 88%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 18C to 28C, highest in February (19C to 28C) and lowest in January (18C to 26C).

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.