Trichocentrum estrellense

Also known as: The La Estrella Trichocentrum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The La Estrella Trichocentrum is a sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after a region on the NW slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca in Costa Rica.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1cm

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 5mm to 305mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 85%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 12C to 24C, highest in May (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (12C to 22C).

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,