Stenorrhynchos speciosum

Also known as: The Outstanding Stenorrhynchos or Spiranthes nutans Spiranthes colorata var. maculata Spiranthes colorans Stenorrhynchos millei Stenorrhynchos speciosum var. nutans Spiranthes richardi Serapias speciosa Spiranthes colorata Neottia speciosa Spiranthes speciosa Stenorrhynchos nutans Stenorrhynchos speciosus Ibidium coloratum Gyrostachys speciosa in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Cuba Departamento de Chimaltenango - Guatemala Departamento de Esteli - Nicaragua Departamento de Jinotega - Nicaragua Departamento de Zacapa - Guatemala Departamento del Caqueta - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador Honduras Panama Paraguay Portland - Jamaica Puebla - Mexico Puerto Rico Region de Huanuco - Peru Veracruz - Mexico Yucatán - Mexico

General Information

The Outstanding Stenorrhynchos is a medium sized cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Peru.

Plant Description

Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has numerous thick erect leaves that grow to 2-25cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 480mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 67% to 90%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 9C to 24C, highest in March (12C to 24C) and lowest in January (9C to 19C).

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.

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

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly Repotting is best done annually.