Intro:
Formerly known Bothriochilus bellus, this is a species that produces beautiful trumpet shaped flowers that smell like marzipan, chocolate covered cherries or almond oil (depending on your nose). A wonderful species, terrestrial and occasionally epiphytic; native to Mexico, the Honduras and Guatemala. It occurs in tropical rain-forests at elevations of 500 to 1500 meters where it grows cool to hot and blooms in the spring. They require moderate shade, and increasing water as the new growth arrives in the winter to spring and a lessening in the fall months. The plant shown is a specimen size and many years old. The plants offered are about 20 to 24 inches in height.
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Light:
Medium light from 1500 to 3500 footcandles. Grow as you would Phalenopsis or Cattleya . This plant does well in East West or South windows. It also does very well with artificial light culture.
P.L. Lights systems are a great way to provide artificial light to your orchids. See our P.L. Lights page for more information on this great product we offer.
Temperature:
These plants will tolerate a wide range of temperatures and seem to do best with intermediate temps.
Humidity:
This plant likes a relative humidity of 50 percent or higher.
The use of humidity trays or room humidifiers is beneficial.
We offer two products that can help increase humidity levels. The humidity tray offered in black or white, and the Mist Maker.
Water:
These plants have a hairy root system like a Paphiopedilum or Phragmipedium. They like water and need to approach dryness at the roots but not dry out completely.
Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium. One product we offer that can help these problems if caught at an early stage is Phyton 27 bactericide and fungicide.
Fertilizer:
Use Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water. Or use
GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.
Another fertilizer offered is: GrowMore 6-30-30 (Cymbidium and bloom boosting formula).
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