Trichopilia gracilis
Also known as: The Beautiful Trichopilia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Junin - Peru
General Information
The Beautiful Trichopilia is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has a single leathery erect, elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.4-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.9-11cm
Flowers
Numerous short lasting blossoms appear
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Charcoal
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 114mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 53% to 69%, highest in September and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 12C to 32C, highest in May (17C to 32C) and lowest in January (12C to 28C).
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.
Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydrationFertiliser
dormant-medium-demand-orchid Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.
Potting
Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.
