Gongora ilense

This Ecuadorian cloud-forest species blooms with burgundy flowers accented by a lime green column. The flowers have a unique fragrance that some equate to candles, while others to lightly fishy.

Grow in semishaded conditions and water abundantly during the growing season to mimic this species natural environment. High humidity around 80% will benefit the health of this plant's leaves, so a humidity tray or humidifier is recommended. Fertilize with using half-strength weekly during the growing period. Watering may be reduced in late fall as temperatures drop and growth slows down. However, do not allow the media to go entirely dry - just to the point where the pot is light and the media is lightly damp to the touch.

These plants root very easily from divisions, and grow quite fast. This genus prefers growing in baskets filled with New Zealand sphagnum moss, or in pots with tree fern fiber mixed with perlite.