Scuticaria peruviana

Also known as: Moore's Scuticaria or Scuticaria mooreana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Region de San Martin - Peru

General Information

Moore's Scuticaria is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru. It is named after the American Orchid Enthusiast.

Plant Description

Grows to 90cm. Each new growth has a single thick terete shaped leaf that grows to 0.6-90cm long

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 33mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in November. Temperature ranges from 16C to 28C, highest in March (18C to 28C) and lowest in January (16C to 27C).

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.