Trichopilia laxa

Also known as: The Loose Trichopilia or Trichopilia laxa var. hartwegii Trichopilia reichenheimia Trichopilia laxa var. flaveola in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Cauca - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador Peru Sao Paulo - Brazil

General Information

The Loose Trichopilia is a medium sized sympodial cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 42cm. Each new growth has a single leathery rigid, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 3.5-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 12cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

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. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 274mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in November and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 12C to 25C, highest in August (14C to 25C) 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.

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,