Trichopilia leucoxantha

Also known as: The White and Yellow Trichopilia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Panama

General Information

The White and Yellow Trichopilia is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has a single leathery elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-4.5cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 249mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 71% to 86%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 19C to 29C, highest in March (21C to 29C) and lowest in January (19C to 26C).

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.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.

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 to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.