Staurochilus ionosmus
General Information
Staurochilus ionosmus is a monopodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Monopodial. Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, arching, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.4-30cm long. The plant has a climbing growth habit
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Charcoal
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 28mm to 315mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in June and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 13C to 31C, highest in July (22C to 31C) and lowest in January (13C 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.
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
This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots Repotting is best done annually.
