Trichocentrum capistratum

Also known as: The Halter Trichocentrum or Trichocentrum panamense in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Antioquia - Colombia Departamento de Boyaca - Colombia Departamento de Caldas - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Panama Provincia de Alajuela - Costa Rica Provincia de Puntarenas - Costa Rica Provincia de San Jose - Costa Rica

General Information

The Halter Trichocentrum is a miniature sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 0.1-10cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic lance shaped leaf that grows to 0.8-10cm long

Flowers

Numerous short 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 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 17C to 32C, highest in March (19C to 32C) and lowest in January (17C to 27C).

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

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round.

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,