Cochleantes

Family. Orchidaceae.

Orchid cochleantes - origin. Central America.

Description. Cochleantes are small orchids that do not have pseudobulbs. The leaves are green, narrow, belt-shaped, collected in the likeness of a fan, up to 25 cm long. The flowers are in white-pink-lilac tones, often solitary, up to 7.5 cm in diameter, on high peduncles. The lip is very large and often has stripes of a contrasting shade. In some species, the flowers have a pleasant, spicy aroma. Each flower remains open for about 10 days, after which the plant often throws out the next flower stalk with a bud. 

Height. About 25 - 30 cm.

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, this orchid will feel good at a temperature slightly above room temperature - about 22 ° C. During the dormant period, which most often occurs in the winter months, place it in a cool place, but do not expose the plant to temperatures below 12 ° C. 

Lighting

Tolerates partial shade well; do not expose the plant to direct sunlight in spring and summer, during the daytime. Leaf color is a good indicator of light levels. Orchids that receive sufficient light should have bright green leaves. When grown in partial shade, the leaves darken and, conversely, when there is an excess amount of light, they become lighter.

Substrate

A standard orchid mix containing sphagnum moss, fern fibers, pine bark, a small amount of charcoal, perlite, vermiculite or coarse sand to improve drainage.

Feeding

When the orchid is actively growing and blooming, feed it 2 times a month with orchid fertilizers diluted to half the recommended dose. 

Flowering time

Spring, but some plants can bloom at any other time of the year. With proper care, re-blooming may occur within a year.

Air humidity

Growing most orchids requires high air humidity and this species is no exception to this rule. Place the plant on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. The bottom of the pot should not come into contact with the water in the pan. Daily spraying can be done with soft, warm water, being careful not to get it on the flowers and buds. Good air movement allows stagnant water to evaporate faster. 

Watering

Water your plants with soft distilled or bottled water. Regular tap water contains too many salts, which are harmful to orchids. The top layer of soil must dry out between waterings. In the fall, gradually reduce the frequency of watering and in winter simply do not allow the earthen clod to dry out.

Transplantation

Try to replant only when necessary - when the cochleantes has outgrown the pot or when the old soil needs to be replaced with fresh soil. Never replant the bushes while they are blooming. Adult specimens are replanted every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

By dividing large specimens during transplantation.

Pests and diseases

Water getting on the leaves of a plant with insufficient movement of air masses can provoke root rot and leaf spotting.