Sigmatostalix guatemalensis

Also known as: The Guatemalan Sigmatostalix in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Departamento de Alta Verapaz - Guatemala Departamento de Jinotega - Nicaragua Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador Panama Provincia de Alajuela - Costa Rica

General Information

The Guatemalan Sigmatostalix is a miniature sympodial warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Costa Rica.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 17cm. Each new growth has a single erect elliptic, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.8-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.7-4cm

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 10C to 25C, highest in April (15C to 25C) and lowest in January (10C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,