Trichopilia rostrata

Also known as: The Beaked Trichopilia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Provincia del Canar - Ecuador

General Information

The Beaked Trichopilia is a sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has a single thick oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-10cm. The plant forms clusters over time

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 18C to 32C, highest in May (21C to 32C) and lowest in February (18C 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.

Fertiliser

Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

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,