Solenidium racemosum

Also known as: The Racemose Solenidium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento de Bolivar - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador

General Information

The Racemose Solenidium is a sympodial cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 38cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.7-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-9cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

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 18mm to 112mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 62% to 81%, highest in December and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 18C to 32C, highest in September (21C to 32C) and lowest in January (18C to 27C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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,