Trichocentrum longicalcaratum

Also known as: The Long Spurred Trichocentrum or Trichocentrum verruciferum Trichocentrum brandtiae in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cundinamarca - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Provincia de Napo - Ecuador Provincia del Azuay - Ecuador

General Information

The Long Spurred Trichocentrum is a dwarf sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 6cm. Each new growth has a single erect terete shaped leaf that grows to 0-5.5cm long

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 18C to 32C, highest in May (21C to 32C) and lowest in February (18C to 28C).

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

Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

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,