Trichocentrum pulchrum

Also known as: The Beautiful Trichocentrum or Trichocentrum maculatum f. flavovirens Trichocentrum maculatum Lophiaris maculata f. flavovirens Oncidium undulatum f. flavovirens in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bogota D.C. - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Departamento del Meta - Colombia Ecuador Region de Huanuco - Peru

General Information

The Beautiful Trichocentrum is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2-10cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 41mm to 518mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 72% to 84%, highest in June and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 16C to 28C, highest in January (18C to 28C) and lowest in July (16C to 25C).

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.