Scuticaria irwiniana

Also known as: Irwin's Scuticaria or Scuticaria irwinia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil

General Information

Irwin's Scuticaria is a small to medium sized cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil. It is named after the American Orchid Collector in Brazil Early in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.7-21cm. Each new growth has a single erect terete shaped leaf that grows to 0.5-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-1.5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Perlite
• Sand

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 348mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 71% to 83%, highest in June and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 8C to 23C, highest in July (14C to 23C) and lowest in January (8C to 17C).

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 during Spring and Summer. 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

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs or Stone slabs. Repotting is best done annually.