Trichopilia maculata

Also known as: The Spotted Trichopilia or Trichopilia powellii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guatemala Panama

General Information

The Spotted Trichopilia is a small sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guatemala and Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 7-17cm. Each new growth has a single leathery elliptic, lance shaped leaf that grows to 2-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-5cm. The plant forms clusters over time

Flowers

A single fragrant blossom appears

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 low to high 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 23C to 33C, highest in March (24C to 33C) and lowest in January (23C to 29C).

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.

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,