Zootrophion trivalve

Also known as: The Three Lobed Zootrophion or Cryptophoranthus trivalvis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Three Lobed Zootrophion is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 69% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 15C to 29C, highest in March (17C to 29C) and lowest in June (15C to 27C).

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 Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.