Zootrophion dodsonii

Also known as: Dodson's Zootrophion in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador

General Information

Dodson's Zootrophion is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador. It is named after the American Botanist in Ecuador.

Plant Description

Grows to 24cm. Each new growth has a single leathery erect, elliptic leaf that grows to 1-11cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-13cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 53mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 19C to 32C, highest in June (21C to 32C) and lowest in May (19C to 30C).

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

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.