Trichopilia undulatissima

Also known as: The Very Wavy Trichopilia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Pasco - Peru

General Information

The Very Wavy Trichopilia is a small to medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 33cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 6-26cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-7.5cm. The plant forms clusters over time

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. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 632mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 76% to 81%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 24C, highest in February (12C to 24C) and lowest in January (11C to 23C).

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,